Arsenal have suffered yet another major injury concern after Greek winger Christos Tzolis was forced off with an apparent hamstring injury during Greece’s UEFA Nations League match against the Netherlands.
The setback marks the latest fitness blow for manager Mikel Arteta during a punishing international window.
Blow for Arsenal: Christos Tzolis injured vs Netherlands
Tzolis was handed a starting role for Greece in their high-stakes fixture against the Dutch, but his night was cut prematurely short inside the opening 18 minutes.
The 24-year-old pulled up clutching the back of his leg following an attacking sprint, signaling immediately to the bench that he was unable to continue.
Medical staff tended to the former Club Brugge star on the pitch before helping him off to the dressing room.
Tzolis, who joined Arsenal in a £34 million summer transfer following a stellar 23-goal campaign in Belgium, will now undergo comprehensive scans back in London to assess the full extent of the muscle damage.
Arsenal injury concerns grow ahead of Leeds United clash
Tzolis’ setback adds to what has already been a difficult international break for Arsenal.
Havertz returned early from Germany duty after suffering a hamstring problem of his own, leaving another question mark over Arteta’s attacking options.
Rice also withdrew from the England squad as he manages fitness and workload concerns.
Arsenal could therefore return from the international break with three important players requiring assessment before their next Premier League fixture.
Tzolis and Havertz being doubts at the same time would be particularly concerning for Arteta given the potential impact on his attacking options.
The Gunners face Leeds United when domestic football resumes, with Arteta now waiting for further information from his medical staff before knowing exactly who will be available.
For Tzolis, the immediate focus will be on the results of his assessment, with Arsenal hoping his early withdrawal was precautionary rather than the beginning of a lengthy spell on the sidelines.