Source: Team_Talk
Frimpong crushed by cruciate blow
Arsenal have confirmed promising midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong has torn his cruciate ligaments and will be out for six to nine months.[LNB] The 18-year-old suffered the injury while training with the reserves in Dublin where the squad are taking part in a friendly tournament which also includes Shamrock Rovers and Manchester United's second string.[LNB]The news was confirmed just a day after Arsenal announced winger Samir Nasri would be sidelined for a month following minor surgery on his injured knee.[LNB]Frimpong, who helped Arsenal Under-18s win the Premier Academy League title last season, had started alongside fellow teenager Jack Wilshere in central midfield in the last three pre-season friendlies against AC Milan, Celtic and Legia Warsaw.[LNB]Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had been set to give the youngster more chances to impress, and admitted it was a big disappointment.[LNB]Speaking to Arsenal TV Online, Wenger said: "We have had another blow with Emmanuel Frimpong.[LNB]"He has done his cruciate in training. That is a massive blow.[LNB]"A cartilage is three to four weeks, but a cruciate like that one Frimpong did is six to nine months.[LNB]"I rate him highly and I still have a lot of faith in him, but we will miss him for six to nine months."[LNB]Wenger had praised the 18-year-old after his impressive performances at the Emirates Cup.[LNB]"Frimpong has done really well," said Wenger at the time. "He is a bit less of a dribbler, but he is a fighter and he is a winner.[LNB]"Here you have a boy who can choose between England and Ghana, so if I was in your place I would have no hesitation and invite him very quickly to play for England. I think he will have a big future."
