Arsenal: Mikel Arteta gives William Saliba, Takehiro Tomiyasu injury updates | Football

Arsenal were without a defensive duo against Crystal Palace (Picture: Getty)

Mikel Arteta then gave an update on injured defenders William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu from Arsenal Premier League win over Crystal Palace.

Arsenal were left without the defensive duo against Palace after both sustained injuries in the Europa League last-16 defeat to Sporting Lisbon.

Arteta is hopeful that Saliba’s setback is not too serious, but admits Tomiyasu’s prognosis “doesn’t look good”.

“The doctor is assessing [Tomiyasu],’ Arteta said. “We have one assessment and I think they should have another assessment tomorrow. It’s not looking good.

‘Tomi is not one to exaggerate things. He was immediately really concerned and we are concerned.

‘We hope Willy [Saliba] gets better news. Again we have to wait until tomorrow to get a better picture.’

Despite the absence of Saliba and Tomiyasu, Arsenal beat Crystal Palace 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium to take an eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Arsenal are sweating over the fitness of star defender William Saliba (Picture: Getty)

The Gunners are aiming to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004 and are eight points clear of defending champions Manchester City with ten games to go.

“I’m very happy with the performance, with the energy and determination we showed,” Arteta added. ‘Generally very good.

“As always it was tough after 120 minutes of play on Thursday night and I have doubts about how the team will react, but they responded brilliantly.”

As Arsenal celebrated their 22nd league win of the season, Crystal Palace have now gone 13 games without a win and are just three points above the relegation zone.

MORE : The Crystal Palace caretaker gives an update on the replacement of Patrick Vieira after Arsenal’s loss

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