Arsenal dealt another blow with Kieran Tierney set to miss months through injury

Kieran Tierney is set to miss the remainder of the season

Arsenal's season is at risk of falling apart following news that Kieran Tierney will miss the rest of the season due to injury.

The 24-year-old defender returned from international duty with Scotland complaining of discomfort in his knee a few days ago and has now been told that he needs surgery following a series of scans and specialist consultations.

The news comes as the second of a devastating one-two punch for the Gunners, whose hopes of finishing qualifying for the Champions League were significantly dented following their 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last night, which saw them miss the opportunity to leapfrog arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur into fourth.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta admitted after the game that Tierney's injury didn't look positive, and now those fears have been confirmed.

Earlier today, Arsenal released a statement, reading: "A specialist consultation took place on Tuesday, and as a result of further discussions with Kieran and our medical team, it has been decided that Kieran requires surgery to his knee. This procedure will take place in London in the forthcoming days.

"Kieran's rehabilitation programme will start immediately after his surgery, at which stage a clearer understanding will be established on his recovery timescale. However, it is likely that Kieran will now miss the remainder of this season."

Tierney is now a major doubt for Scotland's World Cup play-off semi-final against Ukraine in June, with Steve Clarke's side aiming to qualify for the tournament for the first time in 24 years.

Though the injury arguably comes as a worse time for Arsenal, who are losing a key player at a key time and are now in danger of losing the momentum they'd built over the past two months to haul themselves back into contention for a top four spot.

To make matters worse, Thomas Partey limped out of Monday's defeat at Selhurst Park and the club facing an anxious wait to find out just how long he'll be out for.