Arsenal suffer injury blow as Shkodran Mustafi limps out of Germany's win over Azerbaijan and Joachim Low fears muscle tear and lengthy lay-off

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Arsenal have been dealt an injury blow after centre back Shkodran Mustafi suffered a suspected thigh problem during Germany's World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan.

The 25-year-old, who has started five Premier League games for Arsenal this season, was helped off the pitch by medical staff after pulling up while running.

Speaking after the match, Germany boss Joachim Low suggested that Mustafi could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines. 

Arsenal defender Shkodran Mustafi limped off during Germany's 5-1 win over Azerbaijan

The 25-year-old centre back pulled up unchallenged during the first half holding his thigh

He looked in severe pain before being helped off the pitch by medical staff in Kaiserslautern

Low said: 'I think Mustafi has a muscle tear. It looks a bit more serious.

'A hamstring injury to a muscle tear, we have to wait for the exact diagnosis, but he'll probably be out for a long time.'

Mustafi pulled up unchallenged during the first half of the dead rubber rubber in Kaiserslautern as Azerbaijan - who had already been eliminated - launched an attack against confirmed Group C winners Germany.

With Mustafi down, Azerbaijan continued their attack which led to them scoring a goal courtesy of Ramil Sheydaev.

Leon Goretzka had earlier given Germany the lead on nine minutes. 

Germany went on to win 5-1 - with Sandro Wagner, Antonio Ruediger, Goretzka and Emre Can finding the net in the second half.

Azerbaijan played on as Mustafi squirmed in pain - Ramil Sheydaev scored moments later

Germany had already won Group B in World Cup qualifying but will be worried about Mustafi

Speaking after the game, Germany boss Joachim Low said: 'I think Mustafi has a muscle tear'

After the international break is over, Arsenal resume their Premier League challenge with a trip to Watford on Saturday evening.

Mustafi had been in contention to start that game, but his involvement now looks very unlikely.

If a torn muscle is confirmed, Mustafi could be sidelined until mid-November at the earliest.

If Mustafi has indeed torn a muscle he could be out until mid-November at the earliest 

Germany team-mate Thomas Muller offered Mustafi support as the defender lay on the turf