Arsenal have confirmed that midfielder Lucas Torreira has suffered a broken ankle.
The Uruguayan midfielder was taken off on a stretcher during Monday’s FA Cup win over Portsmouth.
Torreira was caught in a heavy challenge after just 12 minutes of the 2-0 success, and played no further part in proceedings. A group of home fans could be heard chanting: "You're going home in an ambulance" as he received treatment.
He underwent further test at Fratton Park, before leaving post-game on crutches, wearing a protective boot.
Now Arsenal have confirmed that he suffered a fracture to his right ankle and that he is facing a spell on the sidelines.
A club statement declared that they are “awaiting further specialist reviews which will determine recovery plan.”
The former Sampdoria player had not previously started for the Gunners since the 2-2 Premier League draw at Chelsea on January 21.
Mikel Arteta, speaking at a press conference on Thursday, said: “He [Torreira] was quite positive this morning. We don’t know the [full] extent of the injury.
"It’s part of football, we have to adapt. It happens to other teams, we cannot cry about it.”
But now, as medical staff wait for swelling around the injured area to subside and the wait continues, Torreira faces a spell on the sidelines, in a blow to Arsenal boss Arteta.
There is better news for the Gunners however, with Kieran Tierney back in full training, having dislocated his shoulder back in December.
Arsenal, who play Sheffield United in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup later this month, are at home to West Ham United in the league on Saturday.
