Mikel Arteta admits he is "not positive" about Kieran Tierney returning before the season ends.
The Arsenal left-back missed the 3-0 loss at Crystal Palace with Nuno Tavares deputising before he was hauled off at the break following a poor showing. The Gunners are chasing the final Champions League spot and were hopeful of having the Scot back in their ranks for the run-in.
But Arteta has seemed to pour cold water on any hopes of having Tierney available again before the campaign comes to a close. The 25-year-old is suffering with a knee issue having returned from international duty. He played 90 minutes in both games for his country before heading back to north London.
In his absence the Gunners were unable to return to fourth after being leapfrogged by Tottenham on Sunday. Antonio Conte's side smashed Newcastle but Arsenal could not reply in the desired fashion as they were well beaten by the Eagles in the capital. Arteta was less than impressed with their showing that now leaves the Champions League race in the balance.
He said on Sky Sports: "Congratulations to Palace for the game they played but we made it impossible for ourselves with the way we competed. You have to be physical and run and then you earn the right to play. We were really inconsistent on the ball and that is unacceptable.
"We were poor, especially in the first half. I apologise to our supporters. We didn't have the presence today or the composure to dominate the situation so that is what I'm most annoyed with. Some days you are not there and you are late all the time. They got on top of it and had a good atmosphere and we could not get out.
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"When we had the big chances we didn't score to give ourselves the best chance to get back in the game. First of all we need to put our hands up and get the criticism we deserve. Then we accept it, look ourselves in the mirror and look to the next game. This was not good enough.
Arteta also confirmed that Thomas Partey's injury is "a big concern" after he came off which compounds an already forgettable night for those on the red half of north London. The Gunners now face games against Southampton and Brighton as they attempt to reclaim fourth spot.
