DAVID LUIZ could be out for the rest of the season after picking up a hamstring injury in Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Newcastle.
The Brazilian had to be replaced by Calum Chambers just eight minutes into the second period.
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And with the Gunners facing a monumental second-leg clash against Villareal in Europa League, it was not what boss Mikel Arteta wanted to see.
After being asked if Luiz is out for the rest of the season, Arteta answered: “We don’t know. He felt something in his hamstring so it’s not good news.
“He’s put such a shift to be back with the team for the last few weeks after the knee surgery and it’s a real shame.”
Luiz joins Alexandre Lacazette and Kieran Tierney on the sidelines, with all three unlikely to make the Villareal clash.
Despite the Gunners losing one of their key defenders, they had more than enough in their ranks to see of a dismal Newcastle side.
Goals from Mohamed Elneny and the returning Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang sealed a straightforward three points.
Arteta added: “Apart from David’s injury, that’s all we wanted.
“We wanted to keep the team fresh, players with the right attitude to play this game and being able to focus just on today.
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“We had a really strong performance from the beginning. We dominated the game and we got the three points which we needed.
“It helps for Thursday as well.”
Arsenal are 2-1 down from the first leg of their Europa League semi-final.
Arteta was able to console himself of Luiz’s injury with a commanding display on Tyneside as the Gunners eased to a 17th win in 18 attempts against the Magpies in all competitions.
They took an early led trough Elneny’s first Premier League goal and never looked back.
Although they had to wait until the 66th minute to wrap up a routine victory when Aubameyang rounded off a superbly-crafted move by dispatching Gabriel Martinelli’s cross at the far post.
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