Kim Källström injured
Publicerad 2014-02-01
London/Stockholm. The Swedish midfielder was the big surprise during Transfer Deadline Day.
However, Kim Källström's dream of playing for Arsenal hit a major setback during his very first day on the team.
– Källström hurt his back, Arsenal's press officer Mark Gonella confirms to Sportbladet.
Being recruited by Arsenal was a dream come true for 31-year-old Kim Källström.
– I am so pleased to come here to learn as much as possible. I'm here to do my best for Arsenal and to help out the team, so we can achieve good results for the last part of the season, the Swedish midfielder said yesterday when the news broke.
– He has proven quality at both club and international level. We welcome Kim to Arsenal, the team's manager, Arsene Wenger, said.
"He's hurt his back"
But one day later news broke that Kim Källström– the Gunners' only January signing – is already injured.
Arsenal's press officer Mark Gonella says that the injury was sustained before Källström signed with the club and that Arsenal knew about it.
– Källström has hurt his back. He is currently being examined. Arsenal will talk more about it tomorrow, he says.
According to BBC, Källström sustained the problem on tuesday while playing beach football during Spartak's pre-season tour in Abu Dhabi. When he arrived in England on Friday he informed the Arsenal team that he felt discomfort.
BBC claims that an MRI scan showed no damage, although a CT scan found an issue with his back.
Gone six games
Initial reports said that the player could be away for up to two or three months. Gonella denies that.
– I think two or three months is a little excessive. I am not in a position to evaluate it, our medical team will do that, Mark Gonella says to Sportbladet.
But according to BBC, the player is out for atleast six games; Crystal Palace, Liverpool twice, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Sunderland. He is expected back in March when the team is to play against Stoke City.
The injury is a major blow for Arsenal, who brought in Källström to cover for injured Aaron Ramsey and Jack Wilshere.
108 caps
Before being recruited, Kim Källström was playing for the Russian team Spartak Moscow. He joined the team in 2012, following six years with Lyon. During his years with the French team, Källström played more than 200 games and helped them to the Champions League semi-finals in 2010.
Kim Källström has played 108 caps for the Swedish National Team and he has scored 16 goals for Sweden during his career.