Arsenal will be without Shkodran Mustafi for their final two games of the season after the club confirmed he will not return in time for the cup final.
Mustafi picked up his hamstring problem in the semi-final of the FA Cup against Manchester City. It was initially hoped he had merely wanted to come off as a precaution but the club have now confirmed his season is over.
Speaking earlier in the week, Mikel Arteta had said, “I doubt it (that he’ll make it back in time for the final).
“We have to see how he evolves in the next few days, but at the moment I doubt it.”
On Friday, the club said Mustafi “Will miss remaining matches of this season. Further details on recovery programme will be confirmed in the coming days.” They also confirmed it was his right hamstring.
None of our other injured players were expected back before the end of the season, which is only a week away now for Arsenal, anyway.
Bernd Leno is “aiming to be back in full training next week.”
Pablo Mari is “off crutches after surgery and moving freely without aid.”
Calum Chambers has “progressed to the next stage of his recovery and is now running and integrating outside with light ball work.”
Finally, Gabriel Martinelli is “recovering in a knee brace after his operation, which took place during the last week of June.”
The club added that “surgery was successful, with consultants and the Arsenal Medical team very encouraged with Gabi’s current progress at this stage of his recovery.”
Arsenal hope to have Martinelli back in full training by the end of the calendar year.
Both Matteo Guendouzi an Mesut Ozil are available for selection, if that matters, which it doesn’t seem to.