Arsenal are set to be without the services of defender Kieran Tierney for the remainder of the 2021/22 season. The Scottish defender sat out of the Gunners’ shocking 3-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace on Monday night with a knee injury.
The left-back is set to undergo surgery for the problem and will now likely to be ruled out for the remainder of the season in what is a huge blow to the Gunners’ hopes of finishing in the Champions League spots.
A club statement read: "Assessments and scans have confirmed that Kieran has damaged his left knee. A specialist consultation took place on Tuesday, and as a result of further discussions with Kieran and our medical team, it has been decided that Kieran requires surgery to his knee. This procedure will take place in London in the forthcoming days.
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"Kieran’s rehabilitation programme will start immediately after his surgery, at which stage a clearer understanding will be established on his recovery timescale. However, it is likely that Kieran will now miss the remainder of this season.
"Everyone at the club will now be supporting and working hard with Kieran to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible."
In Tierney's absence, Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares would usually have been expected to deputise but the former Benfica man endured a torrid evening at Selhurst Park before being substituted at half-time.
Arsenal also look set to be without the services of two further key players for the near future. Thomas Partey was withdrawn at Selhurst Park with a thigh injury, although it remains to be seen what the exact severity of the injury is.
Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu will not make his return until at least mid-April. It was thought that the former Bologna man could return sooner rather than later having been involved in training but Arsenal have now revealed that he is still over a week away from joining in fully with the current group.
