Real Madrid midfielder Marco Asensio could be ruled out for the entire 2019-20 season, after he picked up a severe injury to his knee during Los Blancos' pre-season friendly win over Arsenal in Washington.
The 23-year-old was on the scoresheet as Madrid came from two goals behind to defeat the Gunners on penalties, but went down after an innocuous challenge with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang just moments after finding the net.
The Spain international had to be stretchered off the field and was taken immediately to hospital for a scan. Although nothing has been officially confirmed as of yet, manager Zinedine Zidane fears the worst for his attacking midfielder.
"We're a little bit worried. It's the knee. He went straight to the hospital to get tested and see. But it looks bad," said the Frenchman.
"It's the bad thing of the day for us. because we lose a player and we are a little touched, yes."
Reports emerging from Spain are saying that Asensio has ruptured his ACL, which would see him miss pretty much all of the upcoming campaign.
The news of Asensio's injury will also come as a huge blow to Arsenal, who could see their proposed loan move for midfielder Dani Ceballos called off.
The 22-year-old was set to join Unai Emery's side on a season-long loan, but that could now be cancelled as Madrid will need reinforcements in the midfield area in the absence of Asensio.
Asked after the match what Asensio's injury could mean for the Ceballos deal, Unai Emery said: "I don't know.
"Our target also was not to take injuries in that match, and they maybe have with Asensio.
"It [could be] bad news, for them and also for us. I don't know if it can change something."
Losing out on Ceballos will be another huge setback for Arsenal, who are having a transfer window to forget this summer.
Unai Emery looks set to miss out on Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney after their £25m bid for the Scotland international was rejected, while it looks almost a certainty that Wilfried Zaha will be staying put at Crystal Palace due to Arsenal failing to get anywhere near the Eagles' asking price for the Ivorian winger.
