Torreira in a brace and to be assessed in coming days, says Arsenal boss Arteta

Lucas Torreira is in a brace and will be assessed over the next few days, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed.

Uruguay midfielder
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Torreira was injured in the first half of the Gunners’ 2-0 FA Cup fifth-round win over Portsmouth at Fratton Park following a strong challenge from James Bolton.

Torreira was taken from the field on a stretcher and Gunners head coach Arteta offered an update after the game.

“Lucas was very sore and is in a brace. He will be assessed in a few days and then we will know more,” Arteta told BT Sport.

We’re being forced into an early change – with @LTorreira34 being carried off on a stretcher

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#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/JOAORnwUkP

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) March 2, 2020

Sokratis Papastathopoulos and Eddie Nketiah were on target either side of half-time as Arsenal survived a sluggish opening 45 minutes to ultimately book a comfortable route to the quarter-finals.

Nketiah was one of several youngsters again afforded an opportunity by Arteta, who is enjoying working with the Gunners’ fledgling stars.

“I’m really pleased with them [the youngsters],” he added.

“I’m enjoying working with the players. They deserve a chance. It’s always a risk but they’re worth the risk.”

Arteta also praised Reiss Nelson, who was the architect of both of Arsenal’s goals.

“We have pace in a few players up front. Reiss [Nelson] is a special player and can eliminate players one-on-one,” the Spaniard said.

“He’s been out for a while but he’s back now and he showed what he’s capable of doing.”