Arsenal football club have announced that midfielder Lucas Torreira has suffered a fractured ankle during their 5th round FA Cup tie against Portsmouth on Monday.

The Uruguayan only lasted 16 minutes in the game. He was at the receiving end of a strong challenge from Portsmouth’s James Bolton. Premier league referee Mike Dean didn’t punish Bolton for the tackle as he saw nothing wrong in the challenge. Torreira was left in pain on the Fratton Park turf. He requires a long treatment on the pitch before being stretched off with the aid of oxygen.

Torreira was seen leaving the stadium in crutches, and his right foot wrapped in a protective boot. Arsenal are yet to confirm when the player will return to action, as they await further tests from specialists. But the way things look, the player will be out for a while.

Torreira who has been dropped to the bench in recent weeks. The game at Fratton park was his first start since January.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta disclosed to the press after the game, that it was a big blow to lose another player in this stage of the season.

Elsewhere, the manager has received good news on the fitness of summer signing Keiran Tierney. The left back has returned to training and he is expected to make the squad when Arsenal hosts West Ham at the Emirates stadium this weekend. He is not expected to start, but he will be given some minutes to improve his match fitness.

Bukayo Saka will start at the left back against the Hammers according to the manager. The youngster has been a revelation for the club this season. Only Aubameyang is involved in more goals than Saka in the squad. The teenager has scored three and provided 10 assists in all competitions. The club are also working towards giving Saka a new contract that will fit his importance within the club.