Arsenal were rocked by the development that Kieran Tierney probably won’t play again this season.
The Scotland left-back returned to Arsenal with a knee injury following the international break.
And it has since been confirmed that the player has undergone surgery, meaning he’s likely sidelined until the summer.
To make matters even worse in North London, Thomas Partey, another mainstay in Mikel Arteta’s first XI this season, is also injured.
The Ghana international, a £45 million signing in 2020, went off injured in the 3-0 defeat by Crystal Palace on Monday night.
And although he isn’t officially ruled out for the season, the Arsenal manager has revealed to Football London that it’s a possibility.
Arteta said: “He will be out for some weeks. He could be [back before the season ends] but it could not be the case as it’s an area where he had an injury previously and he felt it straightaway.”
Double blow
Remember, Arsenal are chasing a first top-four finish since coming second to Leicester City in 2016.
For elite clubs like the Gunners, six years out of the Champions League is far too long but it’s possible that Arteta rectifies that this season.
At the moment, the Emirates Stadium side are fifth behind Tottenham – who have played one game more – on goal difference.
Technically it’s still in Arsenal’s hands, but losing Tierney and Partey for the season would be devastating for their chances.
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