Arsenal issue huge Thomas Partey & Tomiyasu fitness updates

Arsenal were sent crashing back down to reality on Monday as a chastising 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace saw them lose their grip on the Premier League’s top four positions.

Despite the woeful manner of the loss, arguably more significant was the pair of injuries that came before and during the match.

Kieran Tierney was ruled out with a knee injury that he had been feeling since before the international break, prompting him to miss out and Nuno Tavares to start.

The inclusion of the summer signing proved disastrous with his performance frightfully below Tierney’s level, forcing Mikel Arteta’s hand at half-time as he brought him off in place of Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal issue huge Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey & Takehiro Tomiyasu injury updates with Scottish left-back ruled out for the season

Rumours emerged of a season-ending injury for the Scot, that which was confirmed by the club.

"“A specialist consultation took place on Tuesday, and as a result of further discussions with Kieran and our medical team, it has been decided that Kieran requires surgery to his knee,” the statement read. “This procedure will take place in London in the forthcoming days.“Kieran’s rehabilitation programme will start immediately after his surgery, at which stage a clearer understanding will be established on his recovery timescale. However, it is likely that Kieran will now miss the remainder of this season.”"

Now confirmed to miss the remaining nine games and beyond, as derailing as that problem could be it has been exacerbated by the late injury picked up Partey late on in the game. The Ghanaian was unable to walk such was the extent of the problem, and while Arteta admitted concern over it being a recurring problem, the club were sightly more optimistic.

"“Thomas is currently being assessed ahead of the weekend after aggravating his thigh during Monday night’s match at Crystal Palace,” the statement read."

Being assessed ahead of the weekend, Charles Watts revealed that he’s now unlikely to be available for selection. But, on the positive side, if it’s just the solitary game, arguably the easiest one on paper for Arsenal left, then it’s nowhere near as bad as first feared.

As for Takehiro Tomiyasu, who continues to be troubled with calf problems, the club confirmed that the hope is for him to be back in full training after the Southampton game.

"“Takehiro is making progress in his recovery from a muscle injury to his left calf, which he sustained in February. It is hoped Takehiro will be back in full training after the match at Southampton on Saturday, April 16,” the statement concluded."

The issue here is, of course, that even if he’s back after the Saints game the next two matches to come are Chelsea and Manchester United, two huge encounters that it would be tough to throw him straight back into having not featured since January.

In other words, Arsenal’s greatest fears are being realised. Injuries to the threadbare squad have arrived, and arrived in full force.