Arsenal: Will confirmed injury blow affect Bruno Guimaraes transfer? | OneFootball

Arsenal youngster is set to miss a huge chunk of the season

Arsenal youngster Louie Copley has confirmed he suffered an ACL rupture during the pre-season fixture against Real Betis.

Copley, who impressed in the win over Girona last weekend, was a half-time substitute on Wednesday night in Dublin as he replaced Ben White and took up an unfamiliar right-back position.

Unfortunately, his involvement Aviva Stadium was short-lived.

Just ten minutes into the second half, Copley appeared to do some damage to his knee and received treatment from the Arsenal medical staff before heading straight down the tunnel while needing assistance.

However, the worst fears have been realised as the teenager is now facing a long spell on the sidelines.

Taking to Instagram, Copley said: “Words can’t describe how I’m feeling right now, to making my pre-season debut for the team I’ve grown up supporting to finding out I’ve ruptured my ACL.

Prior to the injury blow, Copley was a big topic among Arsenal supporters due to the shirt number he wore for both pre-season friendlies, amid the imminent arrival of Bruno Guimaraes.

Will Arsenal injury blow impact Bruno Guimaraes transfer?

No. While Copley wore No39 for the Gunners against both Girona and Real Betis, he had already been handed the No38 shirt - based on details via the official Arsenal website.

It’s unclear as to why Copley wore that particular shirt number in pre-season, but he did wear No38 last season when named on the bench in the Champions League win over Club Brugge and there was no confirmation of a change.

Therefore, the No39 shirt at Arsenal remains vacant - which has been the case since Harrison Dudziak - the previous incumbent was released by the club at the end of June after his contract had expired.

It is common knowledge that the No39 shirt has a special meaning to Guimaraes and he is set to wear it for the Gunners once his £75million transfer from Newcastle is finalised.