Arsenal have confirmed that Petr Cech will be sidelined for up to a month which is actually great news because it looked like he could be sidelined a lot longer.

The 36-year-old picked up the hamstring issue as he cleared the ball against Watford at the weekend, and was replaced by Bernd Leno for his Premier League debut. It was initially feared that he had torn his hamstring but scans showed that the damage is minor.

petr cehc hamstring
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 29: goalkeeper Petr Cech of Arsenal receives treatment prior to being substitued for an injury during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Watford FC at Emirates Stadium on September 29, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Arsenal, like everybody else, have an international break coming up which means that we only really lose Cech for a fortnight but in Leno and Emi Martinez we have more than adequate cover.

In other news, Emile Smith Rowe has recovered from the hip problem he picked up against Brentford in the Carabao Cup while Dinos Mavropanos, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Laurent Koscielny continue their rehabs and are on track to return at the end of October, end of October and November respectively.

Hamstring grades

via Physioworks.com

1. Grade 1 Hamstring Strain

“You may have tightness in the back of the thigh but will be able to walk normally. You will be aware of some hamstring discomfort and unable to run at full speed. There will be mild swelling and spasm. Bend your knee against resistance is unlikely to reproduce much pain.”


2. Grade 2 Hamstring Strain

“With a grade 2 hamstring strain, your walking pattern will be affected and you will most likely be limping. Sudden twinges of hamstring pain during activity will be present. You may notice some hamstring muscle swelling and your hamstring will be tender to palpate. It will also be painful for you to bend your knee against resistance.”


3. Grade 3 Hamstring Strain

“A grade 3 hamstring strain is a severe injury involving a tear to half or all of the hamstring muscle. You may need crutches to walk and will feel severe pain and weakness in the muscle. Swelling will be noticed immediately and bruising will usually appear within 24 hours.

“Diagnostic MRI may also be used to specifically identify the grade of hamstring tear and its exact location.”