Shkodran Mustafi has opened up on the ‘disappointment’ of being ruled out of Arsenal’s FA Cup final against Chelsea due to a hamstring injury.
The German was hauled off the pitch in the latter stages of the Gunners’ 2-0 semi-final win over Manchester City after colliding with Raheem Sterling.
On Thursday, the club announced that after undergoing a successful procedure on his hamstring, Mustafi is aiming to return to full training in October, meaning he will also miss the start of next season.
After falling out of favour with former boss Unai Emery, the 28-year-old has completely turned his form around and proven to be one of Mikel Arteta’s most consistent defenders.
Mustafi also missed the 2017 final win over Chelsea after suffering a concussion the week before and is understandably gutted to be missing Saturday’s game at Wembley against the same opposition.
He wrote in a post on Instagram: ‘Hi Everyone, after the match vs. Leicester City [1-1] I said that there is nothing more painful than not winning a game you deserved to win.
‘I had to learn the hard way, there is something even worse. Missing out the @emiratesfacup final for the second time.
‘The good news is that the surgery went well and that I am not the type of guy who gives up easily.
‘After the disappointment I accepted the situation and I am now fully focused to recover as quick as possible to be back on the pitch.’
Speaking after Arsenal’s 3-2 win over Watford on the final day of the season, Mikel Arteta admitted that with injuries to Mustafi, Pablo Mari and Calum Chambers, his defence is an area of concern and needs to be addressed.
The Spaniard said: ‘I already mentioned three central defenders who are not available and we haven’t had them available for a long time anyway, during this season. We will have to address that.’
Arsenal will be buoyed by the arrival of William Saliba, who they signed for £27 million last summer and immediately loaned back to Saint-Etienne.
Despite having seven centre-backs on their books, Arteta is still reportedly in the market for another central defender to reinforce their backline.
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