Arsenal target Lars Bender set to miss remainder of 2015 after ankle surgery

Broken down: Bender is set to be on the sidelines for some time
Sascha Steinbach/Bongarts/Getty Images
Charlie Doris1 December 2015

Bayer Leverkusen have announced that Arsenal target Lars Bender has undergone ankle surgery that will keep him out of action until the new year.

Standard Sport reported last week that Bender is one of the five central midfielders that Arsene Wenger has on his January shortlist should the Gunners boss look to fill the gaps left by injured absentees Francis Coquelin and Mikel Arteta.

Bender hasn’t played for Leverkusen since late October and now faces a lengthy layout over the Christmas period. The Gunners are at bare bones in the midfield area with only Mathieu Flamini and Calum Chambers available to anchor the Arsenal midfield.

The Germany international seemed to be one of the favourites to move to the Emirates but news of his injury may mean they will have to look elsewhere.

A club statement said: "Lars Bender has successfully undergone surgery on his right ankle in a hospital in Basel on Tuesday.

"The Leverkusen captain will remain in Switzerland for a week and then start his recovery in Leverkusen.

"An operation had become necessary due to his ongoing problems. Bender will be unavailable for the remainder of 2015."

Every injured Arsenal player

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Poland international Gregorz Krychowiak and Sporting Lisbon’s William Carvalho are also on Arsenal’s most-wanted list for the January transfer window.

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