Arsenal suffer DOUBLE injury blow as defenders William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu depart the field

Arsenal suffered a double injury blow during their Europa League clash with Sporting as defenders William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu departed the field after just 20 minutes.

The Gunners went ahead inside 20 minutes with Granit Xhaka finishing coolly after Gabriel Martinelli’s initial shot had been saved by Antonio Adan.

However, Japanese international Tomiyasu, 24, injured himself by sliding in to make a tackle on Francisco Trincao after eight minutes as Ben White came on to take his place.

French centre-back Saliba, 21, then went down 12 minutes later at the Emirates Stadium, with Rob Holding as his replacement.

Former Middlesbrough and Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer told BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘Looks devastated does Takehiro Tomiyasu. It was just a really unfortunate fall from him as he got his studs stuck in the ground.

William Saliba left the pitch after picking up an injury during the clash with Sporting CP

Takehiro Tomiyasu also sustained an injury at the Emirates Stadium after just eight minutes

‘But now there is an opportunity for Ben White to show Gareth Southgate what he is missing out on.’

During BT Sport coverage, Martin Keown said: ‘It’s proving very expensive [Tomiyasu and Saliba]. 

‘You want to get those two back as soon as possible with big games coming up.’

Arsenal have the chance to open an eight-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League title race on Sunday.

The Gunners host a Crystal Palace side without a win in any competition in 2023 and will see it as a gilt-edged chance to really turn up the heat on Pep Guardiola’s champions.

In the last four league meetings with Palace at home, Arsenal have drawn three and lost the other.

This season feels different with Arsenal showing no sign of faltering in their quest to de-throne City.

Arsenal host Palace on Sunday and have the chance to open an eight-point lead over Man City