Arsenal have been dealt a crushing injury blow after the extent of Kieran Tierney’s injury was revealed this afternoon.
Tierney was forced off after 46 minutes during the Gunners’ crushing 3-0 defeat at the hands of Liverpool on the weekend, leaving supporters concerned.
The Scottish full-back has been one of the bright sparks of an otherwise disappointing season for Arsenal, making 33 appearances across all competitions and also impressing on the international stage.
But Mikel Arteta will now have to do without his starting left-back after it was confirmed Tierney will miss up to six weeks of action after suffering ligament damage to his knee.
The club’s release read: “Kieran sustained ligament damage to his left knee during Saturday’s match against Liverpool.
“Surgery will not be required and it’s hoped that Kieran will be back in full training within four to six weeks.”
That will come as a major blow for Arsenal, particularly as they look to progress in the Europa League given the competition could well be their only real hope of qualifying for Europe next season.
If Tierney missed the full six weeks, he will miss not only the quarter-finals but both of the semi-finals, though he would return ahead of the last game of the Premier League season and the Europa League final should Arsenal make it.
While, if it is more towards the four-week mark, Tierney could just about make the second leg of the semi-finals if the Gunners get that far.
The defender will, no doubt, have also been concerned about his chances of playing at Euro 2020, which takes place this summer.
But while he may see little football before the end of the season, he is set to return in plenty of time for the June tournament.
Elsewhere, Martin Odegaard is a doubt for Thursday's Europa League clash with Slavia Prague, picking up an ankle injury.
"Martin has been experiencing discomfort to his right ankle since being on international duty," the release added. "Martin is being assessed ahead of Thursday’s match regarding his availability."
There is a boost in the form of Bukayo Saka, though, who is back in full training and available for selection, while David Luiz will return in the 'coming weeks' after having a 'small procedure' on his knee.
