0
0
Takehiro Tomiyasu, who is unlucky, will be out for “a while” due to a calf injury, according to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
Numerous fitness issues have prevented Tomiyasu from putting together a sustained run of performances since he left Bologna for North London in the summer of 2021.
The majority of the 2022–23 season saw the Japan international fall behind Ben White in the starting lineup; however, the right-back’s season was cut short when he underwent a knee surgery in March.
Despite this, Tomiyasu is still a fan favourite at the Emirates and has improved his offensive production and defensive play to earn a spot back in Arteta’s starting lineup this season.
In the team’s 5-0 thumping of Sheffield United in October, Tomiyasu netted his first goal for the organisation.
This past weekend, against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 25-year-old was active from the start and is anticipated to ink a new, better contract in the near future.
The defender was substituted in the second half of the 2-1 victory, however Arteta explained it as a precaution and said he hoped the player would be ready to play against Luton Town on Tuesday.
However, Tomiyasu was nowhere to be seen at Kenilworth Road, and Arteta dealt with the devastating truth that the Japan international would not be returning anytime soon to the media following the Gunners’ thrilling 4-3 victory.
“The results of our scan are not encouraging. The Spaniard is reportedly likely to be sidelined for some time due to a calf injury, according to football.london, which quotes him during a news conference.
Tomiyasu is anticipated to be out for at least four weeks, and maybe up to six, according to Arsenal. This means he will miss matches against Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Liverpool in two different formats. The club has not set a comeback date for Tomiyasu.
Read More: Everton vs. Newcastle United Predictions, Match Insights and Lineup
Without Tomiyasu in the lineup against Luton, the Gunners were extremely susceptible from set pieces, giving up headers to Gabriel Osho and Elijah Adebayo in situations when Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus had already scored.
Adebayo’s goal was not David Raya’s fault; in fact, the Brentford loanee was also responsible for Luton’s third goal, as he let a Ross Barkley effort get under his body and into the back of the net.
Raya’s blushes were saved, though, by a thrilling Declan Rice winner and an equaliser from Kai Havertz.
With the game’s final opportunity to drive the away end into chaos, the £105 million midfielder headed home into the bottom corner.
The amazing thing about football is how it brings people together and allows you to experience emotions like never before.
That night was unique. We found a way to win, but we have to give credit to Luton for the environment they created, their coaching style, and how hard they played,” Arteta continued.
“The resilience, and the character, and the quality and desire to win that the team showed was great.”
Raya’s errors unavoidably rekindled the conversation over Arsenal’s goalkeeping position since Aaron Ramsdale is still out of the picture.
However, like when the latter committed two errors against Brentford, Arteta chose to ignore Raya’s performance.
As a squad, we need to defend the circumstances more effectively. There are specifics that lead to the objectives.
Blaming is not the point. When explicitly questioned about Raya, Arteta responded, “We have never done it and we won’t do it now.”
It matters how the team responds since it will inevitably occur. I adore that reply. We can definitely defend the goals much better, in my opinion.”
With their fourth straight top-flight victory, Arsenal has temporarily taken the lead in the Premier League standings, leading by five points.
The Gunners’ next match is at home against Aston Villa on Saturday night.
