Hector Bellerin forced to leave pitch on a stretcher after Arsenal defender injures his knee in first start since month long lay-off with calf problem

  • Hector Bellerin was taken off on  a stretcher during Arsenal's clash with Chelsea 
  • The Spain international was on the deck for some time as he received treatment 
  • The defender had only just returned from a calf strain that kept him out of action 

Hector Bellerin could be set for a lengthy spell out after he left the pitch during Arsenal's clash against Chelsea with what looked to be a serious knee injury.

The Spain international fell awkwardly midway through the second half and received lengthy treatment before he left the field on a stretcher. 

Bellerin cried out as he lay on the Emirates turf in obvious agony and was in tears as he was carried away. Mohamed Elneny came on in his place.

Hector Bellerin was in obvious discomfort after falling during Arsenal's clash with Chelsea 

Hector Bellerin was in obvious discomfort after falling during Arsenal's clash with Chelsea 

Speaking on the injury after the game, boss Unai Emery said the injury did seem a serious one, but ruled out the need to sign a direct replacement during the transfer widow.


'We have to wait,' he told reporters. 'We will learn tomorrow or Monday, but the first impression is not positive.

'We have Ainsley who is playing well. He can help us playing as a right-back or right-winger. And we have Lichtsteiner. We have players. And don’t forget Jenkinson.' 

Chelsea winger Pedro comforts his compatriot as he is taken off on stretcher at the Emirates 

Chelsea winger Pedro comforts his compatriot as he is taken off on stretcher at the Emirates 

The 23-year-old had only recently returned to action following a calf strain. He had missed the Gunners' busy Christmas period, sitting out victory over Burnley on December 22 and the Boxing Day draw with Brighton.

He was also absent for the 5-1 defeat at Liverpool, as well as the New Years' Day win against Fulham, before returning last weekend against Arsenal. 

Arsenal went on to win without their full back, holding on to their 2-0 lead to move back above Manchester United into fifth place.