Manager Mikel Arteta has shared a promising update on defender Takehiro Tomiyasu recovery from a knee injury.
The Japanese star suffered an unfortunate setback during a training session in July, before the team travelled to the United States for the preseason games. He is yet to feature in any of the Gunner’s seven games in all competitions this season.
His recovery was slow and uncertain amid reports that the club might sell him to a foreign club in January. However, Arteta has provided a positive report stating that Tomiyasu returned to partial training and he did well.
Although the right-back’s return date remains a surprise, he is currently in a good place after commencing the early phase of his training at London Colney. The manager still admits that he remains behind Mikel Merino and is working every single day to return to action.
Tomiyasu edges closer to return, Arteta provides update
In the pre-match conference ahead of the Premier League clash vs. Leicester City, the Spaniard said (as quoted by the club’s official website):
“He had partial training today and he looked good. He’s progressing really well and is a little bit behind Mikel, but we don’t know with Tomi because he’s another one that pushes every single day. He’s in a good place now I think.”
Tomiyasu will be eager to end his injury woes that have troubled him for the past few seasons. He struggled to deal with a calf injury last campaign and has managed only 3500 minutes in the PL since joining the North London outfit in 2021.
He needs to find inspiration in Arsenal star Jurrien Timber. The former Ajax star suffered an ACL injury and missed almost the entirety of his first season with the club. However, he made a strong comeback this season and has been rock solid at the back.
Tomiyasu, Timber, and Merino all back in training. Raya might be back this weekend ❤️
Our season has officially started! pic.twitter.com/QAz0n7XQkA
— FL (@AFCfuty) September 27, 2024
Even if Tomiyasu does make a return, he will be behind Timber and Ben White in the defensive order. Hence, the 25-year-old would need to prove himself in training and in other see-off games to etch his place in the starting XI.
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The full-back signed a new contract this summer, and he remains in the club’s plans. Talking about injuries in the defensive compartment, Oleksandr Zinchenko remains sidelined for a few weeks, and Kieran Tierney’s return date is yet to be revealed.
Meanwhile, White and Timber will be present in the squad to face Leicester after dealing with a minor knock last week.
