Arsenal have confirmed that Lucas Torreira will be out for eight to ten weeks as he recovers from the fractured ankle suffered against Portsmouth.
The midfielder suffered the injury in last week's 2-0 win at Fratton Park in the fifth round of the FA Cup, after a heavy challenge from Pompey defender James Bolton.
The 24-year-old had to be stretchered off and was seen after the game leaving the stadium in a protective boot and crutches.
Speaking after the game, Bolton refused to apologise for his tackle, but sent Torreira his best wishes.
"It was a great tackle," Bolton told the BBC.
"I timed it really well but it's never nice to see someone down... I hope he's okay."
The Gunners had been awaiting further specialist reviews to determine the extent of Torreira's injury, but results have revealed that Mikel Arteta is likely to be without the Uruguay international for the remainder of the season.
In an update on the official club website , Arsenal posted an statement: 'Sustained fracture to right ankle during Portsmouth (a) on March 2. Still receiving continual assessments.
'Recovery process expected to take between eight to ten weeks.'
The Gunners travel to Manchester City on Wednesday evening, after the original fixture was postponed due to the Carabao Cup final.
And the north London side have confirmed that Shkodran Mustafi faces a late fitness test on a thigh problem which kept him out of the 1-0 win over West Ham on Saturday.
Cedric Soares, who is yet to make his debut for the club since his January move from Southampton, is set to join full training this week.
