According to a report by Football London on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, Arsenal youngster Andria Bartishvili is expected to spend between two and three months recovering from a significant ankle injury, delaying his opportunity to make his debut for the Premier League club.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder agreed to join Arsenal during the summer in a deal reportedly worth around £4 million. However, his preparations for life in English football have suffered a major setback after sustaining an injury while playing for Georgian side Iberia 1999.

Bartishvili has been featuring for Iberia on loan from Kolkheti 1913, gaining valuable experience in domestic competitions and the UEFA Conference League. His latest injury could now prevent him from participating in the remaining matches of the competition's league phase.

Iberia 1999 confirmed the extent of the problem following medical examinations, with an MRI scan revealing significant damage to the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) in his ankle.

In a statement released through their social media channels, the Georgian club confirmed that the teenager would require treatment and rehabilitation before returning to action.

The injury is particularly disappointing for Arsenal because Bartishvili was expected to join his new teammates next summer, potentially giving him an opportunity to feature during pre-season under manager Mikel Arteta.

His absence could also affect his development, considering the importance of gaining regular playing time and experience against senior opposition before making the transition to English football.

Arsenal were not the only club interested in securing his services, with Liverpool among the teams reportedly monitoring his progress before the Gunners completed the deal.

Georgian Under-21 head coach Ramaz Svanadze has previously expressed confidence in the youngster's ability to reach the highest level, revealing that he possesses the qualities required to succeed at Arsenal.

Bartishvili has already made two appearances for Georgia's Under-21 team and had been attracting attention as a potential candidate for a future senior national team call-up.

Svanadze believes the midfielder has the talent and mentality to establish himself at the highest level, although he identified adapting to the intensity of English football as an important challenge.

Meanwhile, Bartishvili is part of Arsenal's wider recruitment strategy targeting promising young players from different countries.

The club have also secured the services of Victor Ozhianvuna from Shamrock Rovers and Ecuadorian twins Holger and Edwin Quintero from Independiente as part of their investment in emerging talent.

Arteta previously explained that identifying outstanding young players internationally and developing academy prospects were important elements of Arsenal's long-term plans.