Mikel Arteta provides injury update on Shkodran Mustafi after Bournemouth clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an injury update on Shkodran Mustafi following the club’s 2-1 away win over Bournemouth in the FA Cup fourth round.

Mustafi was able to start his third game on the bounce for the Gunners on Monday night and he produced a dominant defensive display where he also impressed with his cross-field balls out wide.

Despite this, his game ended on a disappointing note after he picked up an apparent ankle injury after a collision with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and that saw him stretchered off the field at the hour mark.

In the post-match press conference, Arteta revealed that the German’s injury would be assessed for the next 24 hours and hinted that the centre-back could be out of action for a while.

“They’re going to assess him between today and tomorrow but when a player has to come off, normally with a central defender – hopefully I am wrong but – normally it’s not good news,” he told.

Mustafi would have certainly made a case to start against Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday but he now appears likely to miss the club’s final game before the mid-season break.

David Luiz, who is set to return from a one-game domestic ban, should partner Sokratis at the heart of the defence. Rob Holding may have to settle for a spot on the bench, considering he has been average with his passing and positioning since his recovery from a long-term knee injury.

Pablo Mari was widely expected to join the Gunners over the weekend but the Spanish centre-back has returned to Flamengo with Arteta’s side yet to finalise a suitable transfer agreement. The Gunners are looking for a short-term loan with the option to buy but Flamengo are said to prefer a permanent deal, as per Sky Sports News.