Injury Blow As Szczesny Ruled Out With Ankle Injury

Arsenal have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their champions league opener against Montpellier on Tuesday with the news that first choice goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has been ruled out with an ankle injury, according to ESPN.

Szczesny, who made a simple error for Southampton’s consolation goal during Saturday’s 6-1 rout at the Emirates, has not travelled with the rest of the Gunners squad as they left for France on Monday afternoon after picking up an ankle knock.

Italian stopper Vito Mannone is now expected to step in once again, with 21-year-old James Shea in reserve.

24-year-old Mannone has already impressed this season after keeping two clean sheets against Stoke and Liverpool while Szczesny was on the sidelines with a rib problem, and he’s now been given another chance to catch Arsene Wenger’s eye.

Abou Diaby returns to the squad despite missing Saturday’s win over the Saints, but Andrei Arshavin has been left behind.

Are you confident Mannone can handle a tough champions league away trip? Get involved in the comments section.

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