Arsenal 'consider' sending injured player for surgery amid 'growing concern' over long-term fitness
Arsenal’s injury problems are having an impact on their bid for the Premier League title
After a rare weekend without a scheduled fixture, Arsenal are preparing to return to Premier League action at Leicester City on Saturday afternoon. The Gunners take on the relegation-threatened Foxes in the early kick off and if results go their way over the coming days, they could reduce the gap at the top of the table to just three points.
Liverpool currently hold a six-point advantage at the top but play Everton in their game in hand on Wednesday night. A defeat for Arne Slot’s side - something that happened for the Reds at Goodison Park last season - along with a win for the Gunners on Saturday will see the gap at the top standing at three points before the Reds host Wolves at Anfield on Sunday.
With the current leaders holding the advantage, Arsenal need other clubs to take points off Liverpool but will take encouragement from a 5-1 win over Manchester City in their last league outing. Mikel Arteta has had a number of injury problems to deal with this campaign, with blows to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli in the last week reducing his forward options.
Tomiyasu considered for surgery
According to Mail Sport, Arsenal have considered sending injury-stricken defender Takehiro Tomiyasu for knee surgery. The Gunners are said to have ‘growing concerns’ over the player’s long-term fitness. The Japan international already went under the knife for a knee problem back in 2023, with that surgery ruling him out for three months.
The defender has made just one appearance this season as he came off the bench against Southampton back in October. He started the season sidelined by a knee injury and immediately suffered a set-back after his short appearance against the Saints. The report from Mail Sport adds that surgery would rule the player out for lengthy period. Just last month the player had returned to some light training on the grass but no timeframe was given.
Amid concerns over Tomiyasu’s injury, Arsenal are set to be bolstered by the return of Ben White in the coming weeks. The ex-Leeds United player has been out for an extended period but was pictured with the squad during warm weather training in Dubai.
What Arteta has said about Tomiyasu’s injury
Asked if there was a timeframe on when the player could return, Arteta said back in November: “No. He is going to be away now for a few weeks to continue with his treatment and as well change a little bit the environment, because psychologically it has been really, really tough for him – as you can imagine.
“He is a guy that the only thing he wants to do is work 24 hours to get better and he feels terrible when he is not fit. It’s a real shame, so we are going to give him the best opportunity to try out that kind of thing. If it can trigger something, unlock something and try to help him, to have him as quick as possible back – but I think we need to be patient.”