Hector Bellerin won't face Manchester United- Unai Emery

The two Premier League rivals will play at Old Trafford on Monday night kick-off in the upcoming game week.

Arsenal's first-choice right-back Hector Bellerin isn't fit enough to face Manchester United as clarified by his coach Unai Emery, with the manager and the club looking to exercise caution regarding the wing-back's fitness. 

The two teams face-off against each other at Old Trafford where both teams have important players returning from injury layoffs. 

The Barcelona born defender was bought on late during Arsenal's recent win against Nottingham Forest in the League Cup but is restrained from facing the Red Devils with concerns surrounding his long-term availability rather than rushing for full fitness. 

It was his first game since injuring his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) during the 2-0 home win against Chelsea in the Premier League in January.

Speaking to the press post the League Cup fixture Emery replied, "I think no. Maybe in his mind, yes, but we need to listen to the doctor and the doctor wants to do it progressively."

Emery added, "It depends how he's feeling, but in his mind, he's feeling very well and I think the first minutes tonight were amazing for him. We are going to use him with Ainsley and Calum Chambers to help us in this position."

Bellerin was brought in as a late substitute for debutant Kieran Tierney and put in an assist in quick time, just three minutes into his arrival which was also greeted with a standing ovation from the Gunners faithful. 

His selection is sure to strengthen the defence as well as provided attacking solidity for the team who have been accused of always being top-heavy and negligent about their defence. 

In Bellerin and Tierney, they have two very potent wing-backs who can cause damage from the wings which was showcased by Tierney during his time on the pitch last night. 

Emery praised Bellerin's mindset during the tough times stating, "The most important things about Hector are his attitude and experience. He's wishing to help us. When he was injured also, he was still a big mentality in the dressing room helping us."

In the absence of Bellerin, Emery may look to play Ainsley Maitland-Niles to shore up the right side or Calum Chambers who put in a good performance as well as scoring the equaliser in the previous league game against Aston Villa. 

Arsenal play United next in an important clash on Monday night before moving on to their respective Europa League assignments.