Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has suffered a major injury blow ahead of top-four battle after confirmed Lucas Torreira has been ruled out with a fractured ankle injury.
The Uruguay international was stretchered off during their 2-0 win over Portsmouth in the FA Cup on Monday night at Fratton Park.
Torreira stayed down following a heavy challenge after just 12 minutes and was replaced by Dani Ceballaos.
Torreira underwent further tests at Fratton Park, before leaving the stadium on crutches, wearing a protective boot.
Arsenal have suffered a various injury to the team with new signing Cedric Soares will return to full training next week after recovering from a knee injury, with Sead Kolasinac due to resume training by the end of the month after a shoulder problem but Calum Chambers out of the season.
Meanwhile, defender Kieran Tierney is back in full training after recovering from a dislocated shoulder.
Injuries have restricted the Scotland international to just 11 appearances for the Gunners since signing from Celtic last summer.
The news will come as a big blow to manager Arteta, as he prepares his side for their Premier League home fixture against West Ham on Saturday.
Torreira has made 33 appearances for Arsenal this season.
