Arsenal injury news: Hector Bellerin doubtful for Manchester United trip as Gunners assess ankle problem

Tom Doyle11 November 2016

Hector Bellerin is an injury doubt for Arsenal's Premier League trip to Manchester United later this month with the Gunners assessing the defender's ankle.

The right-back withdrew from Spain's under-21 squad on Wednesday, and Standard Sport understands that the defender is now a concern for Arsenal's clash against Jose Mourinho's United at Old Trafford on 19 November after aggravating an ankle problem against Tottenham.

During the last international break, Bellerin was on the receiving end of a tough tackle in a 3-0 win for Spain's under-21 side against San Marino on October 5 - but the defender allayed potential injury fears by then completing 90 minutes for La Roja's youth side against Estonia five days later.

Bellerin then played for Arsenal against Ludogorets Razgrad (October 19) and Middlesbrough (October 22), and was rested for the EFL Cup win against Reading (October 25) before returning against Sunderland four days later.

The defender was left out of the Champions League squad that travelled to Bulgaria for the 3-2 win over Ludogorets on November 1, and returned to complete a full 90 minutes in Sunday's north London derby against Spurs.

But following Bellerin's withdrawal from the Spain U21 squad during the latest international break, it is understood that Arsenal are now assessing the severity of Bellerin's ankle problem which was aggravated during the 1-1 Emirates Stadium draw with rivals Spurs.

With Bellerin's chances of facing United at doubt, Wenger will be hoping that the defender is fit to return for the Champions League home match against Paris Saint-Germain on November 23, with top spot in Group A at stake.

The Gunners then take on Bournemouth at home in the Premier League four days later before welcoming Southampton to the Emirates for an EFL Cup quarter-final on November 30.

In Pictures: Arsenal vs Tottenham | 06/11/2016

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Bellerin is yet to miss a minute of Premier League football this season, though any potential absence will be softened by Carl Jenkinson's return to fitness.

Bellerin is likely to sign a new contract at Arsenal, according to his agent, ending speculation linking him with a return to Barcelona or move to Manchester City.

In an exclusive interview with Standard Sport last week, Bellerin was vehement in saying that he was “not looking back” and was committed to Arsenal.

“It’s nice for a player to know that big teams want you but I’m very happy here,” he said. “I’ve still got three years left on my contract so I’m just focused on playing every single week, improving and hopefully making things happen here at Arsenal.

"I’m not in a rush to extend the contract. I’m happy. I’m comfortable. I want to be here a long time.”

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