Cruel break for Shaaban

Arsenal goalkeeper Rami Shaaban will be out of action for several months after breaking his leg in training on Christmas Eve.

Shaaban, who has fractured both the tibia and fibula bones in his right leg, underwent surgery yesterday evening.

A club statement read: “It is a terrible blow for both Rami and the club as the 27-year-old has settled in well since joining Arsenal earlier in the season.

“The players were visibly upset following the incident as Rami is both a team-mate and a friend. Everyone’s thoughts are with Rami and his family, especially over the Christmas period, and we wish him a full recovery.”

Shaaban has played just five times for the Gunners this season, twice in the Champions League and three times in the Premiership, the last of those coming in the 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford earlier this month.

With Stuart Taylor out of action after breaking a finger, 18-year-old Craig Holloway, 18, will be on the bench in Shaaban‘s place for the match against West Brom on Boxing Day.

Holloway has come through the youth development system at Arsenal and is a regular in the under-19 side.

This will be the first time he has been called up to the first team squad for a competitive match although he did join the squad for their pre-season training camp in Austria in July.