According to a report by London Evening Standard on Wednesday November 4, 2026, Arsenal have suffered an injury setback involving future signing Andria Bartishvili, who has been diagnosed with ankle ligament damage.

The 17-year-old Georgian attacker is expected to spend two to three months on the sidelines. The development comes before his planned move to north London next summer.

Iberia 1999 confirmed the injury after the youngster sustained the problem in Georgia. Reports initially shared by Geo team were later highlighted by journalist Simon Collings. Bartishvili is currently on loan at Iberia 1999 from Kolkheti 1913, where he has continued gaining senior football experience.

Arsenal reached a pre-contract agreement with the promising attacker earlier this year. The deal is scheduled to become effective in July 2027, when he turns 18 and becomes eligible to complete the move. Bartishvili can operate as an attacking midfielder or winger. He has shown promise through his goals and assists, while progressing through Georgia’s youth national teams, including the under-21 side.

His recovery period could rule him out for the remainder of the calendar year. The absence will interrupt his opportunity to build on his performances and gain further experience before the winter break. However, the full extent of the setback will depend on his response to rehabilitation.

Arsenal are expected to introduce Bartishvili gradually after his arrival. He is likely to begin with the academy and under-21 teams as he adjusts to English football. The injury does not currently appear to have changed the agreement or the expected timing of his transfer.

Since Bartishvili remains with his Georgian clubs until 2027, his rehabilitation will be overseen there. Arsenal will monitor his progress before welcoming him to the club. A successful recovery should give the teenager an opportunity to regain fitness ahead of the next stage of his development in north London.