Bernd Leno injury boost with Arsenal keeper only facing FOUR weeks out despite fears he would miss entire YEAR

ARSENAL have been given a huge boost with the news Bernd Leno will only miss FOUR WEEKS of action.

The German goalkeeper, 28, injured his knee ligaments during Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Brighton following a collision with Neal Maupay.

Initial fears at the Emirates were that Leno would miss a whole year as he was carried off on a stretcher.

But the club have now revealed the damage is much less serious than expected and could be out for as little as one month.

Giving a squad injury update ahead of their clash with Southampton on Thursday, Arsenal revealed: "Positive news after detailed assessments.

"[Leno] sustained moderate ligament sprain during Brighton & Hove [game] on Saturday.

"[He is] aiming to return to full training in four to six weeks."

Leno even tweeted his own update, writing: "Thank you for your support and getting well wishes.

"I’m going to work hard to come back on the pitch as soon as possible."

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In gruesome live images, Leno's knee could be seen to bend the wrong way as it stuck in the turf after being clattered by Maupay.

The Arsenal ace let out a scream in agony as he crumpled to the turf, as medics rushed to treat him - leading to a five-minute delay in action.

As he was taken off on a stretcher, Leno shouted and pointed furiously at French forward Maupay - to be replaced by Emiliano Martinez.

It sparked what would become a feisty encounter on the south coast, with Maupay time and time again targeted by Gunners stars, including Matteo Guendouzi.

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The French midfielder was was filmed grabbing Brighton match-winner Maupay by the throat and hurling him to the ground after his last-gasp winner.

Despite the incredible display of violence, Guendouzi somehow escaped a retrospective three-match ban.

Maupay later suggested Guendouzi had taunted him about his wages - despite earning more than the Arsenal ace.