Arsenal was hit by a second injury to the defensive as William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu were unable to continue after just 20 minutes of play against Sporting CP.
- Tomiyasu got off after only 8 minutes after the start of
- Saliba substituted after 20 minutes
- White and Holding First-half replacements
What happened? What happened? Japan international was sent off after just eight minutes , following an injury while trying to block an Sporting strike, but with the usual starting Ben White coming on in his place. Arsenal did not have the chance to replace a player of first-team class as Saliba fell ill just 12 minutes later. the defensive backup Rob Holding got a run out for the rest of Wednesday’s Europa League clash.
The bigger picture:Shortly after the Frenchman’s decision to withdraw from the match at half-time, the home side were 1-0 ahead, after which Granit Xhaka’s quick reaction was to score the equaliser with a slick finish from close distance. The tie was poised following the draw at the start of the game, Mikel Arteta fielded an experienced side that included the first time in the absence of Gabriel Jesus since his knee injury.
IN THREE PHOTOS
What’s next? Naturally, the pair with injuries sustained by Tomiyasu and Saliba is a source of frustration for Arteta. If it were only one of the two and Saliba was injured, White could have been a right-back replacement or at the mid. The absence of both presents an even bigger problem. So far, there is no information on the extent of the injuries. However, the Gunners game against Palace just three days away could come too soon for both players.
