Arsenal face nervous wait over David Luiz as defensive injuries mount

Injured: David Luiz
Pool via REUTERS

Arsenal face a nervous wait as they seek to learn the extent of a thigh injury picked up by David Luiz during Sunday’s defeat to Leicester City.

Luiz suffered the injury shortly into the second half and pulled up while running back to defend, without a player around him.

The Brazilian is understood to have suffered a thigh injury and it was iced on Sunday after he was brought off by manager Mikel Arteta.

Luiz is due to be assessed by Arsenal over the next 48 hours and they hope to know more about any possible injury before Thursday’s Europa League clash against Dundalk.

The absence of Luiz is a blow to Arsenal, with the 33-year-old a consistent performer so far this season.

He has formed a strong partnership with fellow Brazilian Gabriel Magalhaes and an injury would force Arteta into a rethink at the back.

Shkodran Mustafi replaced Luiz on Sunday, while Calum Chambers is now back in full training and progressing towards full match fitness.

Fellow centre-back Pablo Mari is currently running outside following an ankle injury in June and he is also doing some light ball work. The Spaniard is hoping to return to full training in the next eight days or so.

Youngster William Saliba could also be an option as he did not leave Arsenal on loan this summer, however the teenager cannot play in Europa League matches as he was not registered.

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