Mikel Arterta will miss the return leg of Arsenal’s Champions League qualifier…
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Arsenal captain Mikel Arteta has been ruled out of the club’s next two matches – including the crucial second leg of the Gunners’ Champions League playoff with Besiktas.
The Daily Mail has revealed that the midfielder, who sprained his ankle following a collision with former Chelsea striker Demba Ba on Tuesday evening, will not be fit in time to lead the team out at the Emirates Stadium in a week’s time.
The 32-year-old Spaniard will also miss Saturday’s clash with former club Everton. He will have another scan on the affected area on Thursday as medical staff look to confirm the extent of the damage – and he could potentially miss further matches.
Arsenal will also be without Aaron Ramsey for the second leg with the Turkish side after he was sent off for a second yellow card during a fiery clash in the Olympic Ataturk Stadium.
The Mail adds that Arsenal’s injury list is already beginning to mount after Yaya Sanogo and Kieran Gibbs missed the 0-0 draw in Istanbul.
In addition, UEFA confirmed last night that Besiktas boss Slaven Bilic will be suspended from the technical area after he was sent off in the final moments of the first leg.
Bilic serves a one-match ban and will have no access to the dressing room or his players when they arrive at the Emirates on Wednesday.
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