Former Liverpool loanee Nuri Sahin is out of the Champions League tie between Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund on the 22nd October.
Last summer saw a transfer wrangle in the Premier League and across Europe for the services of Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin – who was put on the transfer list for loan last summer.
In the end it boiled down to two teams, Liverpool and Arsenal.
In reality, he kind of signed for both. He was pictured in his new Arsenal kit after he reportedly agreed a move to The Emirates, but Real could not agree terms with The Gunners so the plug was pulled on the deal.
So he instead went to Liverpool until the end of the season – or at least he was supposed to.
He had a torrid time at Anfield, spending time playing out of position or on the subs bench – in the end cancelling the loan deal in January.
He was so thankful to get away from the club that he actually ‘thanked god’ – so that is quite a resounding way to confirm his disapproval at playing on Merseyside.
He finished last season with Borussia Dortmund, his boyhood club, and continued that loan spell into the new campaign.
And he has been nothing short of reborn back in the Bundesliga.
In the absence of Ilkay Gundogan he has been an ever present for Jurgen Klopp’s men and perhaps one of the best players in the Bundesliga so far this season.
And he had Arsenal in his sights – ready to take them down in the UEFA Champions League on the 22nd and show what they are missing.
But bad news for Dortmund, and good news for Arsenal … Sahin is out.
Sahin was taken off for Koray Gunter in the 89th minute after twisting his ankle, which has left him out for a minimum of three weeks – after suffering a partial tear to the ligaments in his right ankle.
With Ilkay Gundogan and Sebastian Kehl already out injured it leaves Dortmund with real difficulties in the central midfield department for the crunch Champions League tie.
Music to the ears of Arsenal fans.
image: © peterfuchs
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