Mikel Arteta has confirmed Kieran Tierney’s knee injury will ‘probably’ rule him out for the remainder of the season.
The Arsenal left-back was forced off in the first-half of last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Liverpool last weekend.
Tierney has been one of the Gunners’ standout performers in a so far disappointing campaign with Arteta’s side staying in ninth place with a 3-0 victory over Sheffield United on Sunday.
When asked for an injury update on his squad, the Spaniard said: “Kieran Tierney is out – probably for the season.”
Arteta was also without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (illness), Martin Odegaard (ankle), David Luiz (knee) and Emile Smith Rowe (ankle) for the trip to Sheffield United.
And despite the lengthy injury list, Arsenal’s injured stars were not missed as goals from Alexandre Lacazette (2) and Gabriel Martinelli kept alive the club’s slim hopes of a top six finish.
But Arteta’s attention now turns to Thursday’s crucial Europa League quarter-finals second leg tie against Slavia Prague, which is level at 1-1.
The former Man City assistant manager has admitted he is ‘worried’ by Arsenal’s injuries.
He said: “It was a strong performance, efficient and intelligent with the ball and the right attitude. I am really happy, but the injuries are a worry.
“[Saka] had some discomfort in his thigh. I don’t know what it is. The last thing we need is another issue because we have enough of that and are missing some big players at the moment.
“I don’t know the extent but we will see how it develops in the coming days. Martinelli twisted an ankle and it was sore but he’s a tough boy.”
Asked if Aubameyang will be fit to face Slavia Prague, Arteta replied: “I hope so.
“He was unwell yesterday and could not train. Hopefully in the next day or two he will be feeling better and will be available.
“As for Emile and Martin, we don’t know yet.”
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