Portsmouth defender James Bolton has claimed that his tackle on Lucas Torreira was a fair one, after the Arsenal midfielder was left needing a stretcher after the challenge.
The Gunners beat Portsmouth 2-0 at Fratton Park to progress to the FA Cup quarter-finals, thanks to goals from Sokratis and Eddie Nketiah.
But the evening was soured for Mikel Arteta's side by the sight of Torreira being carried off the pitch in the first half.
With around a quarter of an hour played, Pompey defender Bolton produced a firm tackle which left Torreira in a heap.
Referee Mike Dean deemed the challenge to be a fair one despite Torreira's visible pain, and the Uruguayan had to be substituted for Dani Ceballos soon after.
Torreira was later seen hobbling out of Fratton Park after the game on crutches, and is a major doubt for Arsenal's Premier League clash against West Ham on Saturday.
After the game, Bolton addressed his tackle on Torreira, and said he had no regrets but did wish a speedy recovery to the Gunners midfielder.
“It was a great tackle,” Bolton said to the BBC after the final whistle.
“I timed it really well but it’s never nice to see someone down. I hope he’s okay.”
Arteta provided an update on the 24-year-old after the game and admitted it was too early to tell the extent of the damage.
"He was in a lot of pain," he told the Arsenal website.
"He is in a brace at the moment, he will be assessed in the next few days and we will know more then.
"I don’t know if it’s the bone or ligaments, we don’t know yet."
