Mikel Arteta says Granit Xhaka's knee injury could have been even worse after he suffered a setback against Tottenham that will see him ruled out for three months.
Swiss midfielder Xhaka is facing a long spell on the sidelines after a collision with Spurs winger Lucas Moura which has left him with 'significant' ligament damage to the medial ligament in his right knee.
Xhaka saw a specialist on Tuesday and has managed to avoid the need for surgery but Arsenal manager Arteta said: 'First of all it is a significant injury but he probably escaped an even worse injury than he could have had because that action for the cruciate ligament is a tricky one.