Mikel Arteta provides an update on Lucas Torreira’s injury

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a fresh update on the injury sustained by Lucas Torreira during the club’s FA Cup fifth round tie against Portsmouth on the road.

The Uruguayan was the subject of a strong challenge from James Bolton in the early phase of the Cup tie and he was substituted in a stretcher in the 16th minute.

The Gunners recently confirmed that Torreira had sustained a fracture in his right ankle and speaking in a press conference, Arteta has provided a further update on the midfielder’s condition.

The Spaniard revealed that the 24-year-old has yet to overcome the pain barrier and the extent of the injury will be determined by a specialist.

“He was quite positive this morning. I spoke with him and he was in pain. We don’t really know exactly the extent of the injury. He needs to see the specialist here in London and we will know more about it,” he told.

Torreira hardly played for the Gunners after the winter break and it was unfortunate that he sustained the injury in his first start in more than five weeks.

With the setback, the Uruguayan could be sidelined for around four to eight weeks. Dani Ceballos and Granit Xhaka will most likely continue as the midfield pairing when the Gunners host West Ham United on Saturday.

Arteta’s side are currently five points behind a potential Champions League place with a game in hand. They have the opportunity to close the gap by beating the Hammers while registering a third league victory on the bounce.