Arsenal defender, Takehiro Tomiyasu, is reportedly set to be out for an extended period of six weeks due to a calf injury he sustained in his side’s 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, December 2.
After the game, manager Mikel Arteta expressed optimism, saying that the injury was merely a precaution.
“He felt something. I don’t know if it was fatigue,” the Spaniard said in his post-match press conference. We decided to change straight away and we didn’t want to take any risks. Let’s assess him and see how he is.”
However, Tomiyasu has since had a scan, which indicated he had a more serious calf issue than first thought.
According to Football London, the Japan international faces four to six weeks on the sidelines and will miss the Gunners’ crucial matches during the festive period.
The 25-year-old missed Arsenal’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Luton Town at the Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night.
Following the thrilling win last night, Arteta acknowledged that Tomiyasu would probably be sidelined for a long time.
“We had a scan and it’s not good news,” Arteta said. “He’s got an injury in his calf and he’s going to be out for a while I think.”
It appears unlikely that he will play for the Gunners again in 2023. But Football London has reported that if his rehabilitation goes well, there is a chance he could play before the end of the year.
This is just the most recent injury to plague the former Bologna star, who has experienced numerous periods on the sidelines during his time at Arsenal.
“I’m sick of being injured,” the 25-year-old wrote on his Instagram page. “But I believe this is the opportunity to be much stronger.”
So far this season, Tomiyasu has featured in 19 games across all competitions, scoring a goal and providing three assists.
The injury will no doubt be a huge blow to Arsenal who are aiming to win the Premier League title this season after coming so close last campaign.
The Gunners are currently five points atop the league standings. They are set to lock horns with fellow high-flying Aston Villa at the Villa Park on Saturday, December 9.
