Arsenal suffer DOUBLE defensive injury during their Europa League clash with Sporting when William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu are taken off within 20 minutes.
- The Gunners went ahead within 20 minutes with Granit Xhaka finishing coolly
- However, 24-year-old Tomiyasu was injured sliding to tackle Francisco Trincao.
- French centre-back Saliba, 21, went down 12 minutes later at the Emirates
Arsenal suffered a double injury during their Europa League clash with Sporting when defenders William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu left the pitch after just 20 minutes.
The Gunners took the lead on 20 minutes with Granit Xhaka finishing coolly after Antonio Adán saved Gabriel Martinelli’s opening shot.
However, 24-year-old Japan international Tomiyasu was injured sliding to make a tackle on Francisco Trincao on eight minutes as Ben White came on to take his place.
French centre-back Saliba, 21, went down 12 minutes later at the Emirates Stadium, with Rob Holding coming on for him.
Former Middlesbrough and Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer told BBC Radio 5 Live: ‘Takehiro Tomiyasu seems devastated. It was just a really unfortunate fall from him when his cleats got stuck on the ground.
William Saliba left the pitch after being injured during the clash with Sporting CP
Takehiro Tomiyasu also picked up an injury at the Emirates Stadium after eight minutes.
“But now there’s an opportunity for Ben White to show Gareth Southgate what he’s missing.”
During BT Sport coverage, Martin Keown said: “It’s getting very expensive [Tomiyasu and Saliba].
“You want to get those two back as soon as possible with the big games to come.”