BREAKING: Arsenal hit by Takehiro Tomiyasu injury dilemma during clash vs Sporting CP

Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was substituted in the first half of the Europa League second leg against Sporting CP due to a suspected injury. The Japanese defender fell to the ground shortly after overextending in a tackle against Sporting’s Francisco Trincao.

The Gunners need to win against the Portuguese tonight after a 2-2 draw in the first leg. Mikel Arteta will be concerned at having lost Eddie Nketiah to injury ahead of the game as another player checks into the treatment room ahead of the international break.

Emile Smith Rowe was only fit enough to be called on by Arteta on the substitutes’ bench as the Hale End star continues to build his match fitness. Gabriel Jesus had his first start since the World Cup after recovering from a knee injury that had sidelined him for the past three months.

READ MORE: Arsenal vs Sporting CP LIVE: Kick-off time, TV channel, confirmed team news, live stream details

Tomiyasu appeared to receive treatment on his left knee before being replaced by Ben White. The Japanese defender’s injury comes after a bizarre remark from Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag who claims the Gunners haven’t had to deal with many injury worries this season.

Ten Hag said: “Only in one game could I say, ok, I can choose my team, also from a tactical point of view, that was perfect. That was at home against Man City.

“And that was the only time this season. At other times, every game had one player suspended, one injured or [has] Illness so we have to deal with it well but obviously like I see with Arsenal you hope they have their squad available almost all the time.

It remains to be seen how long Tomiyasu will be sidelined but he is now a serious doubt for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.