Arsenal have confirmed that Takehiro Tomiyasu will be absent for the Gunners' next two Premier League fixtures with Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton.

The right-back has consistently struggled with calf problems since the turn of the year and has now missed Arsenal's last six matches in the top flight.

Mikel Arteta affirmed that Tomiyasu was "close" to returning for the 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday night, but the right-back was nowhere to be seen at Selhurst Park.

Arsenal have now revealed that the Japan international will miss at least another couple of weeks, with a medical update reading: "It is hoped Takehiro will be back in full training after the match at Southampton on Saturday, April 16.

"Takehiro is making progress in his recovery from a muscle injury to his left calf, which he sustained in February. Takehiro had successfully recovered from a muscle injury sustained to his right calf in January."

News of a further blow for Tomiyasu comes after it was revealed that Kieran Tierney would miss the rest of the season with a knee injury, while Thomas Partey came off with a thigh issue on Monday and is being assessed.