Arsenal have a goalkeeping crisis on their hands after learning that Wojciech Szczesney is set to miss the next month and a half after suffering a dislocated finger during the Gunners' 3-1 loss at Barcelona that sent the side crashing out of the Champions League. The Polish keeper, 21, was caught awkwardly by a free kick smashed in by Brazilian fullback Dani Alves within the first fifteen minutes of the match, and although he made the save, he was clearly injured and had to be substituted for Manuel Almunia very early on.
Wojciech Szczesny To Miss Six Weeks With Dislocated Finger
Early reports indicated that Szczesny may have ruptured a tendon in his hand, but news is now in that he 'only' has a dislocated finger, which will at least see him probably fit to play again this season. It's a desperately unlucky situation for Szczesny, who had established himself as first-choice Arsenal goalkeeper after compatriot Lukasz Fabianski had been knocked out with a long-term shoulder injury. It's bad news for Arsene Wenger too, as this leaves him without a backup goalkeeper for Manual Almunia. Even loanee Vito Mannone, currently with Championship side Hull, is injured, out six weeks with a thigh problem. Wenger's outlook was bleak:
We can call Mannone back from Hull, but he is not available. We have Wojciech out. We have Fabianski out for the rest of the season. We absolutely need some cover in goal.
In order to get that cover, Arsenal will have to apply for special dispensation from the FA to make an emergency loan, one they’re very likely to get considering the long precedent for goalkeeper emergencies. In the meantime, Manuel Almunia, who was excellent despite conceding three times to Barcelona, will be the first - and only - choice for the Gunners between the sticks.
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