Arsenal learn severity of Takehiro Tomiyasu knee injury
Arsenal have confirmed that defender Takehiro Tomiyasu will miss the remainder of the 2022/23 season due to a knee injury.
The full-back suffered a serious knee injury during the Gunners' recent Europa League clash with Sporting CP at the Emirates Stadium - a game Arsenal would go on to lose on penalties after Tomiyasu was subbed off inside the opening 20 minutes.
In a statement released on the club's official website, Arsenal confirmed the extent of the Japanese international's injury and that the player had undergone successful surgery.
"Following his substitution during last Thursday’s Europa League match, subsequent assessments have confirmed that Takehiro Tomiyasu sustained a significant injury to his right knee.
"Tomi has had successful surgery in London on Tuesday and will be ruled out for the remainder of this season.
"Everyone at the club will now be working hard with Tomi, so he can join pre-season training ahead of next season."
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Takehiro Tomiyasu injury history
While Tomiyasu has never previously suffered a serious knee ligament injury, he has missed with a number of niggling muscle issues throughout his career.
During his two seasons at Bologna in Serie A - prior to joining Arsenal - Tomiyasu missed 18 games due to a number of muscle injuries, including hamstring and calf strains.
Since joining the Gunners, the full-back has endured some similar setbacks, missing nine games at the tail-end of his maiden campaign at the Emirates Stadium because of a calf issue.
Arsenal's right-back options
Ben White has been the first-choice right-back at the club throughout the 2022/23 season, and has excelled in the position.
Cover for White is now rather sparse, however. Rob Holding can play there if needed, while Bukayo Saka can play on either flank in defensive or offensive roles when necessary.
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On this edition of The Chronicles of a Gooner, part of the 90min podcast network, Harry Symeou discusses Arsenal's 4-1 win against Crystal Palace, bouncing back from Europa League heartbreak and more.
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