Bellerin shares update on ‘successful’ surgery as he begins ACL rehab
Spanish defender was carried off on a stretcher in the 2-0 win over Chelsea after rupturing a ligament in his knee
ARSENAL star Hector Bellerin has shared an update on his "successful" surgery as he begins rehab on his torn knee ligament.
The Spanish defender, 23, was carried off on a stretcher in the 2-0 win over Chelsea earlier this month after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Bellerin is now expected to miss around six to nine months and will aim for a first-team return at some stage in 2019-20.
But the full-back seemed in optimistic mood as he posted an update on his social media accounts.
Accompanying a snap of himself in his hospital bed, Bellerin wrote: "Surgery = success.
"Big thank you to all the doctors and physios who worked so hard to get me ready for surgery and through it with such ease."
But earlier this month, Arsenal revealed they would be without Bellerin for the rest of the season.
A statement read: “The rehabilitation process is expected to take between six to nine months and therefore rules Hector out of action for the remainder of this season.
"Everyone at the club will now be working as hard as we can to ensure Hector is back on the pitch as soon as possible next season.”
Bellerin's current situation only worsens their defensive injury crisis after a stressful first season for Unai Emery.
The Gunners' shortage at the back has resulted in them being forced to play the likes of Granit Xhaka in the heart of defence.
Meanwhile, Laurent Kosciely, Rob Holding and Sokratis Papastathopoulos are just three other crocked defenders at the Emirates.
But in good news, Arsenal did officially announce the signing of Barcelona star Denis Suarez today.