Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny faces a fight to play again this season after suffering a “significant” knee injury.
The Egyptian injured his right knee in training earlier this month and has now undergone surgery to resolve the issue.
Arsenal have not put a definitive timescale on when Elneny will return, but it is understood he will be out for months and struggle to play again this season.
The Gunners have moved to solve the issue by bringing in Jorginho from Chelsea for around £12million on transfer deadline day.
A statement from Arsenal said: “Following an injury sustained in a recent training session, subsequent assessments have confirmed that Mohamed Elneny has a significant injury to his right knee.
“Mo has had successful surgery in London and will be ruled out for an extended period of time. A more detailed timescale will be established once the early stages of rehabilitation have been completed.
“Everyone at the club will be offering Mo all the support he needs and working hard with him so he can return to action as soon as possible.”
