KIERAN TIERNEY has been ruled out for the remainder of the season and is now a major doubt for Scotland's upcoming World Cup play-off matches in June.
The Arsenal full-back was absent as the Gunners were on the end of a heavy defeat to Crystal Palace in the Premier League last night.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that he would go for a scan today and now Arsenal have confirmed that Tierney faces surgery on a knee injury.
It is understood he now faces months out and will miss the remainder of the Premier League campaign as Arsenal aim for a Champions League finish.
Tierney now faces a race to be fit for June when Scotland's play-off semi-final against Ukraine is pencilled in for.
An Arsenal statement read: "Left knee. Kieran felt discomfort after a training session on Thursday, March 31. Further assessments and scans have confirmed that Kieran has damaged his left knee.
"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.
"Everyone at the club will now be supporting and working hard with Kieran to get him back on the pitch as soon as possible."
Tierney's diagnosis comes as fellow Scotland teammate Nathan Patterson also faces a spell out.
The Everton full-back rolled his ankle in training and is now set to go for surgery this week.
Goodsion Park boss Frank Lampard said: "In terms of injuries, Nathan Patterson will be out for a certain period of time.
"He has been down to see a specialist on his ankle and we are looking at having a small operation later this week.
"He will be out."
Patterson had played for Scotland on international duty against both Poland and Austria but is yet to play for Everton in the Premier League.
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