Mikel Arteta is sweating on the fitness of Arsenal stars William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu heading into the international break. The pair missed out on the Gunners' clash against Crystal Palace on Sunday, with the medical team still waiting to understand the full extent of the injury concerns.
Tomiyasyu was the first absence after he was substituted against Sporting CP in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday after over-extending in a challenge, eventually leaving the stadium on crutches. Just moments later Saliba followed down the tunnel, appearing to have an issue with his back and unable to continue.
Rob Holding was called upon during the clash with the Eagles on Sunday and despite being unable to keep a clean sheet, the Gunners went on to win 4-1 and extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to eight points. Arsenal will be without league football for two weeks now due to the international break.
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That lack of action may allow Arteta to gather his thoughts for the final push of the season, but it remains to be seen if Tomiyasu and Saliba will be at his disposal for that key run. Speaking to the media after the game on Sunday, Arteta told reporters: "We don’t know [how bad Tomiyasu's injury is].
"The doctor is assessing. We have one assessment and I think they need to have another assessment tomorrow. It’s not looking good. Tomi is not one to exaggerate things. He was really concerned straight away and we are concerned."
The Japanese international has been troubled with injuries throughout the campaign, but his versatility has offered plenty and any absence would be a huge concern. Saliba has also played a huge role in the title push so far, with the manager claiming that tomorrow will make things clearer on the centre-back too.
Arteta added: "We hope Willy [Saliba] is going to be better news. Again We have to wait to tomorrow to get a better picture."
The double blow comes just after Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag hit out at the Gunners for what he perceived to be a slice of luck for the side with injuries. Arteta may responded to that claim, adding: "We lost players, we lost Gabi [Jesus] for four months, we lost Thomas [Partey] for one and a half months, we lost Alex Zinchenko for one and a half months, we lost Mo Elneny for six to eight months. Now we’ve lost Eddie [Nketiah] and Tomiyasu or Saliba.
"Everybody has to give a bit more. It’s not a secret. If we want to maintain that level we have to give more and Rob [Holding] is clear example of what we needed today."
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