
Arsenal youngster Louie Copley has confirmed he suffered an ACL rupture during the pre-season fixture against Real Betis.
Unfortunately, his involvement Aviva Stadium was short-lived.
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.
“The road ahead won’t be easy but I’ll give everything to come back stronger and better.”
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.