Arsenal have suffered a setback in their plans for teenage signing Andria Bartishvili after the Georgian youngster sustained an ankle ligament injury that is expected to keep him out of action for two to three months.

According to a report by Football London on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the 17-year-old attacker faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines, disrupting his development ahead of his planned move to the Emirates Stadium next summer.

Arsenal reached a pre-contract agreement with Bartishvili earlier this year, with his transfer officially scheduled to be completed in July 2027.

His current club, Iberia 1999, confirmed the injury, while reports from Geo Team indicated that he could require between two and three months to recover. Journalist Simon Collings also highlighted the Georgian club’s announcement on social media.

Bartishvili is currently playing for Iberia 1999 on loan from Kolkheti 1913. The versatile youngster can operate as an attacking midfielder or winger and has already shown promising qualities while competing in senior football this season.

He has also made progress through Georgia’s youth national teams, reaching the under-21 level despite his age, while contributing goals and assists during his development.

However, the latest injury is expected to interrupt that progress and could rule him out for the remainder of the calendar year, reducing his opportunities to gain further competitive experience before the winter break.

Arsenal are understood to have plans to introduce him gradually when he arrives in north London. The club’s academy and under-21 teams are expected to provide his initial route into English football rather than an immediate opportunity with Mikel Arteta’s first team.

Despite the setback, the existing agreement between Arsenal and the youngster remains unchanged. Bartishvili will continue his rehabilitation in Georgia while remaining with his current clubs until his scheduled arrival in England in the summer of 2027.

The Gunners will monitor his recovery over the coming months, with a successful rehabilitation and return to full training expected to be important ahead of the next stage of his career.