Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines, with no clear indication on a return date as he struggles with injury, journalist Charles Watts has claimed.

What's the word?

The midfielder had missed most of the first half of the season with injury before returning shortly after the World Cup break, but could be set for another prolonged absence, with Mikel Arteta confirming he will be unavailable for his side's FA Cup clash with Manchester City on Friday.

As the primary backup to Thomas Partey, his injury could represent a problem for Arteta, as Arsenal would then lack cover in a crucial area of the pitch.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Watts reiterated that whilst nothing is confirmed, there seems to be a feeling that he is set to miss the rest of the season with injury.

He said: "There's been a few whispers doing the rounds about the severity of Elneny's injury and just how long he's going to be out for, and there have been suggestions that he might be out for the season.

"Now, none of this has been confirmed yet, so it's been difficult to report, but they're certainly the whispers that are doing the rounds - that it's not good news when it comes to Elneny.

"Arteta didn't confirm any of that today, but he was asked about it and he admits that there were concerns over him.

"He was then asked directly, is there a potential for him being out for the season? And again, he said he’s still being assessed, we’re still trying to get to the bottom of it, but he added when Elneny says something doesn't feel right, then that's a bad sign, because Elneny usually plays through an awful lot.

"So that’s bad news for Arsenal, no doubt about it."

Arsenal must enter the market

Arsenal simply cannot risk not having cover should Partey pick up an injury, and without Elneny, who had been described as "brilliant" by Ian Wright, they run the risk of their midfield being dismantled as the season goes on.

Albert Sambi Lokonga would be the main contender within the squad to replace him, but given his underwhleming form this season, Arteta perhaps needs a more reliable and experienced option than the 23-year-old.

With less than a week left of the transfer window, the club need to find a solution, otherwise, their impressive title challenge could remain one injury away from jeopardy.