Arsenal player confirms surgery that could make him third Gunners star ruled out for the season
A third Arsenal player is facing the rest of the season out after undergoing surgery
Arsenal will have their eyes on Villa Park on Wednesday night as Premier League title rivals Liverpool face Aston Villa in a key game in the title race. The Reds’ clash with Unai Emery’s side was moved forward due to the Merseyside club’s participation in the Carabao Cup final next month.
A positive result for the Gunners would give them the chance to close the gap to the leaders when they host West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Following that game, Liverpool are in action at Manchester City on Sunday afternoon in what could prove to be a defining few days in the race for the title.
One of the issues impacting Arsenal this campaign is injuries to key players. Martin Odegaard spent a chunk of the campaign sidelined while Bukayo Saka hasn’t played since injuring his hamstring against Crystal Palace in December.
Tomiyasu confirms surgery blow
Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has undergo surgery on his knee. The defender confirmed the news in an Instagram post, and although there has yet to be timescale put on his return, Arseblog has reported the operation is likely to rule the Japan defender out for the remainder of the season. Reports last week from Mail Sport revealed Arsenal had been considering surgery for the defender, with it then claimed any operation would rule the player out for lengthy period.
Updating supporters, Tomiyasu said: “I’m late in reporting this, but I had surgery on my right knee a few days ago and have already started rehabilitation in order to return! I’m sorry that I haven’t been able to tell all my fans and supporters about my condition over the past six months.
“There’s a lot I want to say, but right now, I just want to remember that there are people who are waiting for me, and that I want to return to the pitch and give back to them on the pitch. With these things in mind, I will work towards my return!! See you again at the stadium!”
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.
Havertz and Jesus already out for the season
With Tomiyasu facing the prospect of the rest of the season on the sidelines, a long absence would make it three Arsenal players ruled out for the remainder of the campaign. Gabriel Jesus has ruptured his ACL while Kai Havertz damaged his hamstring during warm weather training in Dubai.
Tomiyasu has the capacity to play across the defensive line but is predominantly a right-back. The Gunners are well stocked in that position with Ben White returning to the squad for the 2-0 win over Leicester City. He was an unused substitute against the Foxes with Jurrien Timber playing the full game although White’s return to fitness gives Mikel Arteta the option to rotate. Given Tomiyasu’s lack of appearances this term, Arsenal are already equipped to handle a longer absence.