Arsenal have confirmed that Bernd Leno has been ruled out for 4-6 weeks after sustaining a knee injury against Brighton.
The Gunners revealed on Tuesday that after "detailed assessments", the German stopper sustained moderate ligament damage to his right knee and faces at least a month out of action.
The 28-year-old was forced off on a stretcher after colliding with Brighton striker Neal Maupay during the first half of their Premier League fixture, with Emiliano Martinez replacing him.
It was initially tought that the Arsenal goalkeeper would be sidelined for several months following the clash, with Leno taken off for further examination.
Leno furiously pointed a finger at Maupay as he was being taken off the pitch, while several Arsenal players confronted the French forward - who scored a decisive last-gasp goal in a 2-1 triumph for Brighton - in angry scenes following the full-time whistle.
However, it is possible that Leno could still miss the rest of the campaign, with only eight games left and Arsenal's final fixture scheduled for July 26 at home to Watford.
That would leave Martinez as the likely replacement for Leno during his spell out injured, with Matt Macey likely to fill in as the Argentinian's reserve.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta told reporters on Tuesday evening: "Well we thought it was going to be a more significant injury, we don't know the extent of the injury still but at least we know the cruciate ligaments are not damaged.
"That was the biggest fear at the start. He was more positive and in less pain today so that's good news."
MORE ABOUT