'Pretty serious': Mikel Arteta confirms bad news on Arsenal defender

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Takehiro Tomiyasu sustained a serious injury against Sporting Lisbon on Thursday.

The Japan international was picked to start in the right-back position ahead of Ben White but he was substituted in just the ninth minute.

Speaking after the game, Arteta revealed that Tomiyasu's injury 'looks pretty serious' and added that the defender's setback will be assessed.

He said: "Tomiyasu looks pretty serious, for his reaction straight away and what he said to me. Obviously, it’s very early and difficult to know."

Meanwhile, Arteta was more hopeful over William Saliba, who was substituted shortly after the opening goal with some kind of discomfort.

The Frenchman appeared in good spirits on the bench and it remains to be seen whether he is available to face Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners have the opportunity to go eight points clear at the top of the league if they beat the Eagles in Sunday's afternoon kick-off.