Arsenal, the Premier League runners-up from the last season, have not given up on their aspiration to claim the league title. Despite facing several challenges, the Mikel Arteta-led Gunners currently stand tall at the top of the table, with their only domestic defeat attributed to VAR’s erroneous judgment.
Following a dramatic 4-3 victory over the newly promoted side Luton Town in the Premier League on Tuesday, Arteta provided the latest update on Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury, for which he was not included in the match squad at Kenilworth Road.
Mikel Arteta gives devastating update on Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury
Takehiro Tomiyasu, the Japanese defender who has been a reliable name for the Spaniard boss in the right-back position, has joined Emile Smith Rowe, Thomas Partey, Fabio Vieira, and Jurrien Timber in treatment after picking up a calf injury last weekend against Wolves.
Tomiyasu, who set up Bukayo Saka for Arsenal’s opener in a 2-1 win over Wolves, had an excellent evening before being substituted early, just ten minutes before the end, due to discomfort in his right calf.
Fortunately for the Gunners, Ben white came on to replace the Japanese and help secure the lead at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
Arteta’s side was scheduled to play Luton this midweek, and unfortunately, the 25-year-old Tomiyasu’s recovery was in question. As a precaution, he was kept out of the squad to travel to Kenilworth Road. Arsenal had already been without Jurrien Timber, and now the Japanese were on the right side of the defense.
Post-match, Mikel Arteta confirmed that the Japanese defender will be out for an extended period. He said, “We had a scan, and it’s not good news for Take, unfortunately. He’s got an injury in his calf, and he’s going to be out for a while.”
Consequently, the London club is running short on full-back options. Jakub Kiwior was deployed on the left, while Ben White took the place of the injured Takahiro Tomiyasu against Luton Town.
How soon Takehiro Tomiyasu likely to return?
Takehiro Tomiyasu’s calf injury remains a major concern for Arteta, as the manager confirmed the severity of the knock. Reportedly, the 25-year-old is likely to miss the next 4 to 5 weeks of action, including the last Champions League group fixture. It seems unlikely that he will return before January next year.
Fortunately, Arsenal maintained their first-place position in the Premier League, extending their lead to five points over second-place Liverpool with 36 points in hand. Gunners were initially settling for a draw after leveling the scoreline, pulling the home side from a one-goal advantage.
The £100 million star, Declan Rice who joined from West Ham, came to the rescue with his late added-time winner—a header in the 97th minute—securing three points for the visitors.
Next, they face Aston Villa on the weekend in a challenging away outing.
