Why Takehiro Tomiyasu may not play for Arsenal again until February

  • Japanese international injured in recent win over Wolves at Emirates Stadium
  • Tomiyasu may need at least a month to recover from calf problem
  • The 25-year-old may then be called into Japan's Asian Cup squad
Takehiro Tomiyasu picked up a calf injury against Wolves
Takehiro Tomiyasu picked up a calf injury against Wolves / Visionhaus/GettyImages
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Takehiro Tomiyasu may not play for Arsenal again until February because of a calf injury and probable involvement in Japan's Asian Cup campaign, 90min understands.

The Japanese international came off towards the end of the recent 2-1 win over Wolves at the Emirates Stadium, having kept Ben White out of the side to start in his favoured right-back position.

"We had a scan and it’s not good news," manager Mikel Arteta subsequently said of Tomiyasu's issue. "He’s got an injury in his calf and he’s going to be out for a while I think."

Sources have confirmed to 90min that the calf injury will likely sideline Tomiyasu for at least four weeks, but it may be even longer before he pulls on an Arsenal jersey again.

The 25-year-old, if fit, is expected to join up with Japan for the 2023 Asian Cup, which runs between 12 January and 10 February, and that could mean that Tomiyasu is not available for selection until Arsenal visit Burnley at Turf Moor on 17 February.


The games Tomiyasu could miss for Arsenal

Date

Fixture

Competition

09/12/2023

Aston Villa (a)

Premier League

12/12/2023

PSV Eindhoven (a)

Champions League

17/12/2023

Brighton (h)

Premier League

23/12/2023

Liverpool (a)

Premier League

28/12/2023

West Ham (h)

Premier League

31/12/2023

Fulham (a)

Premier League

06/01/2024

Liverpool (h)

FA Cup 3rd Round

20/01/2024

Crystal Palace

Premier League

27/01/2024

TBA

FA Cup 4th Round

30/01/2024

Nottm Forest (a)

Premier League

03/02/2024

Liverpool (h)

Premier League

10/02/2024

West Ham (a)

Premier League


Tomiyasu could miss Arsenal's next 12 games as a result, with a hectic fixture schedule containing Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup clashes really testing the character and depth of Arteta's squad.

The Gunners take on Liverpool three times in that period - home and away in the league and also in the FA Cup third round - but also face tricky looking games at in-form Aston Villa and against Brighton at home - the Seagulls have won their last three games in north London by an 8-2 aggregate score.

Arteta is expected to cover Tomiyasu's absence by recalling White to the starting lineup, but the Spaniard won't want to suffer any further injury problems with Jurrien Timber already a long-term injury casualty.

Arsenal's head coach has enjoyed what he's seen from both Tomiyasu and White this season, prompting the club to open negotiations with the pair over new and improved contracts.


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