Albert Sambi Lokonga, currently on loan at Sevilla from Arsenal, has been ruled out for up to five weeks following a hamstring injury in his left leg, sustained during a training session on Friday.

The injury is a significant blow for Sevilla as Lokonga had started to establish himself in their midfield. This is also the second hamstring problem Lokonga has suffered since joining Sevilla, missing their first match of the season when he was injured in pre-season.

According to Sevilla’s medical team, Lokonga is expected to be sidelined for around four to five weeks, a clear indication that the injury is moderate in severity and slightly worse than the one that kept him out for 20 days at the start of the season.

Hamstring injuries, depending on their grade, can range from minor strains that take a couple of weeks to heal, to more severe tears which could sideline players for several months.

Lokonga’s expected recovery time suggests a mid-level strain or tear.

Impact on Sevilla and Arsenal

Lokonga’s absence leaves Sevilla’s already stretched midfield even thinner, with injuries to other key midfielders like Saúl and Djibril Sow.

His injury also couldn’t have come at a worse time, as the team seeks its first win after a difficult start to the season and face a series of crucial matches, including high-pressure fixtures against Getafe, Valladolid, and Betis.

For Arsenal, Lokonga’s development is crucial as the player was sent on loan to gain more first-team experience. His injury could slow that progression, but the club will be watching his recovery, hoping the setback doesn’t affect his overall development during his time in Spain.

What the injury means

A typical hamstring injury like Lokonga’s can limit a player’s ability to sprint, change direction, and generate power, key components of a midfielder’s game.

Lokonga will likely undergo a rehabilitation program focused on strengthening the hamstring, improving flexibility, and gradually rebuilding his match fitness.

His return will likely depend on how his hamstring responds to treatment, and Sevilla’s medical team will closely monitor his progress to avoid re-injury.

Lokonga at Sevilla

After missing Sevilla’s opening game of the season with a hamstring injury, Lokonga returned to the bench for the game against Villarreal in gameweek 2.

The following week, he got his debut, playing 63 minutes in a 0-0 draw against RCD Mallorca.

In the last match before the international break, Lokonga played the full 90 in a 2-0 home defeat against Girona.

Lokonga and his hamstrings

This is the third hamstring injury Lokonga has picked up in the last 12 months.

While on loan with Luton Town last season, he missed 10 games between 26 September and 4 December, a total of 69 days with a similar, but more severe, issue.