Hector Bellerin has given Arsenal fans a lot to smile about recently after emerging as one of the Premier League's finest right-backs.
The young Spaniard has been impressing on the field to such an extent that Barcelona have been reportedly been stepping up their interest. So, news this week, that he's set to sign a new five-year contract at the Emirates was obviously met with huge excitement amongst Gunners fans.
However, whilst Bellerin's long-term prospects in north London look bright, the same might not be true of the full-back's immediate future. That's after he was replaced in the Spain Under-21 squad today due to an unknown injury that had Gooners fretting about his availability for their November 19 clash with Manchester United.
Now, a Wednesday Snapchat from the Arsenal star may have revealed exactly what the issue is.
Having linked up with the Spanish Under-21 side after appearing in Sunday's north London derby draw against Tottenham, Bellerin had bee in line to play for his country's junior side against Austria U21's on Friday.
That was until he was unable to complete a Tuesday training session before, ultimately, being sent home and replaced by Sunderland loanee Javier Manquillo on Wednesday.
Bar the above tweet, the Spanish Football Association have offered few details on Bellerin's injury scare. However, the player himself appears to have alluded to the issue via his official Snapchat account.s
Taking to the social media platform, the Arsenal full-back sent a picture to his followers highlighting what looked like a bizarre ear injury.
Bellerin himself doesn't appear too be too concerned with the bruising around his right ear but, clearly, there is concern enough that he has withdraw from international duty and reportedly already returned to London to recover.
Injury scares
Arsenal will be crossing their fingers that apparent ear injury isn't anything too serious.
Already on tenterhooks after reports in Chile last night that Alexis Sanchez may have suffered a calf injury, Arsene Wenger and co. will be desperate not to see the international break derail the club's excellent recent form.
Bellerin has been a key part of the Gunners' nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League and Arsenal will be hoping he is fully recovered when they return to domestic action against Manchester United in 10 days time.
With a crunch game against Paris Saint-Germain the following Wednesday that will decide who finishes top of their Champions League group, the north London club need their best players ready and available.
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