Arsenal issue major Tomiyasu injury update as Mikel Arteta dealt title race blow

Arsenal have suffered a wave of injuries recently as Mikel Arteta looks to defend the Gunners' place at the top of the Premier League amid competition from Man City

Arsenal have confirmed that defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has undergone knee surgery. The 24-year-old suffered a knock against Sporting CP in the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday after over-extending in a challenge, eventually leaving the Emirates stadium on crutches.

Now that the medical staff have learned the extent of the defender's injury, an official club statement reads: "Tomi has had successful surgery in London on Tuesday and will be ruled out for the remainder of this season. Everyone at the club will now be working hard with Tomi, so he can join pre-season training ahead of next season."

The Japanese international has suffered an injury-ridden campaign but, when available, his versatility has come in handy so an extended absence from the side is a huge blow to Arsenal's title hopes. Tomiyasu wasn't the only Gunners star to have picked up a knock against the Portuguese outfit on Thursday evening.

"And that was the only time in this season. In other times, in every game, it was one player suspended, one player is injured or [has] illness, so we have to deal with it well but of course you hope, like I see with Arsenal, that they almost have all the time their squad available."

"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."