Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the troubling injuries to Arsenal players William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu after their defeat by Sporting CP in the Europa League round of 16 at the Emirates Stadium.
Tomiyasu, who was forced off just nine minutes into the game after slipping awkwardly whilst challenging for a ball with Francisco Trincao, is said to have a “serious” injury by Arteta.
Meanwhile, Saliba had to be removed immediately after Granit Xhaka scored Arsenal’s 1-0 lead.
Although it is unlikely that Tomiyasu will make Sunday’s crucial Premier League clash with Crystal Palace, due to losing his spot in the first team XI over the season, Saliba’s potential absence may be a worry as he has begun each one of Arsenal’s Premier League games this season as one of its best defenders.
On a positive note, Gabriel Jesus made his first start in four months after returning from knee injury during the World Cup and seemed to be in OK condition despite being withdrawn at half time of Thursday night’s game; this was because two substitute windows had already been used up due to Tomiyasu and Saliba’s injuries.
This article was updated 3 months ago
