Arsenal ran out comfortable winners against Crystal Palace on Sunday despite missing Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba through injury. Goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Granit Xhaka ensured the Gunners claimed all three points to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points.
However, Mikel Arteta will be worried about the injuries Tomiyasu and Saliba picked up on Thursday night against Sporting CP. Saliba limped off in the first half after suffering an issue with his back. The France Football Federation officially announced that the centre-back would be replaced from the men's senior international team after the injury, having been called up for the squad earlier in the week.
Tomiyasu, meanwhile, was substituted inside the first ten minutes against Sporting, with the Japanese defender overstretching for a tackle early in the match. The right-back had to receive treatment on the pitch shortly afterwards and was unable to continue.
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Arteta revealed after the Palace match that both players will be further assessed on Monday, although the fact Tomiyasu left Emirates Stadium on crutches does not bode well. Asked if Tomiyasu will play again this season, Arteta said: "We don’t know.
"The doctor is assessing. We have one assessment and I think they need to have another assessment tomorrow (Monday). It’s not looking good. Tomi is not one to exaggerate things. He was really concerned straight away and we are concerned."
Asked if there if a bit more hope around Saliba, the Spaniard added: "We hope Willy is going to be better news. Again we have to wait to tomorrow (Monday) to get a better picture."
While the two defenders were not included in the Arsenal matchday squad against Palace, they were spotted at the Emirates Stadium supporting their teammates. That's according to Evening Standard football writer Simon Collins, who tweeted: "Both players came to watch today. Tomiyasu was in a full knee brace and on crutches."
While Arteta waits to find out how long both defenders will be out for, the fact the pair were in attendance despite their injury issues shows the togetherness within the Arsenal squad at present. With 10 games to go and a title race with Manchester City on the cards, that togetherness will come in handy between now and the end of the season.
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