Arsenal are currently going through an injury-crisis in defence with Hector Bellerin becoming their latest casualty after the Spaniard picked up a calf injury in his team’s 3-2 loss against Southampton at the St. Mary’s Stadium last weekend.
According to BBC Sport, the Gunners boss Unai Emery has revealed that the right-back could be out for “some weeks” due to a calf problem which saw him get substituted at half-time on Sunday. When asked about the extent of Bellerin’s injury, Emery said, “Bellerin has a small injury – he is going to be some weeks off I think.”
Bellerin has joined both Sead Kolasinac and Shkodran Mustafi in the treatment table while Rob Holding and Konstantinos Mavropanos remain long-term casualties. With fixtures coming thick and fast in the Premier League over the busy Christmas period, Emery would be sweating on the health and fitness of his remaining defenders who are currently available for selection.
There is no doubt about the fact that the Gunners need some defensive reinforcements in January if they are to secure a top 4 spot at the end of this campaign. Here are three defensive options for Emery to consider when the transfer window reopens in January.
Elseid Hysaj
The Albanian defender has been enjoying a rich vein of form for Napoli this season. He has already put in some solid displays at the back for Carlo Ancelotti’s side and is considered one of the best full-backs in the Serie A. The Gunners can benefit from signing a player like Hysaj as he primarily plays as a right-back but can also operate on the left side of the defence.
Ricardo Pereira
The Portuguese talent has caught the eye with some terrific displays for Leicester City this season. Although, not as defensively solid as the other players on this list, Pereira loves to attack and is a potent threat going forward.
The 25-year-old can operate in both full-back positions or can be used in an advanced role down the right flank. He has scored one goal and grabbed two assists in 15 appearances for the Foxes this term across all competitions.
Álvaro Odriozola
The Real Madrid right-back has incredible potential and could become one of the best players in his position in the coming years if given the right platform to continue with his development. Emery could consider recruiting him as he will add some much-needed competition for places for the coveted right-back spot at the Emirates Stadium.
