French defensive midfielder has failed to recover in time from a groin strain.
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Premier League leaders Arsenal have suffered a huge blow with the news that influential midfield player Mathieu Flamini has definitely been ruled out of the north London club’s next two crucial matches in both the Premier League and the Uefa Champions League, according to reports in the Daily Mail.
The former France international has enjoyed a brilliant return to the Emirates after re-joining the Gunners from Serie A giants AC Milan on a free transfer during the summer, five years after Flamini left the club to move to the Rossoneri.
However, after picking up a groin strain during Arsenal’s 2-0 Premier League win over struggling Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park last weekend, head coach Arsene Wenger has now confirmed that Flamini has not recovered in time to take his usual place in front of the Gunners’ back four in their top-of-the-table clash with Liverpool at the Emirates on Saturday.
And not only that, but the Frenchman has also ruled the holding midfield player out of the club’s vital trip to take on Bundesliga high-flyers Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday night, although Flamini may be back in time to face champions Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday week.
“Flamini is a short-term injury, he could available for Manchester United. He is out for tomorrow and Dortmund,” said Wenger in his pre-match press conference on Friday.