Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta admits his squad are reeling after the injury news regarding Jurrien Timber.
The summer signing from Ajax will be out for nearly the entire season with an ACL injury.
Arteta's Gunners may even have to dip into the transfer market to cover for his absence.
Asked about the blow, Arteta told reporters: “Huge blow. Especially for him after just joining the club. To have the injury he has is a huge blow.
“It is for the team because we recruited him with clear intentions and what he was bringing to the team was evident and he's not going to be able to do it this season for us. We have to adapt. These things happen unfortunately and we have to move on."
He then added on the reaction: “He's been very good to be honest. He's a special character.
“He knows, he's starting to realize the extent of the injury and the amount of time he's going to be out. But he's in a good place. We are willing to help him obviously and be close to him but we know it's going to be a long journey."
