- Unai Emery can revel in a silver lining as an essential Arsenal player, pivotal in thwarting Aston Villa, now faces a setback due to injury. Mikel Arteta’s title aspirations appear precarious after the revelation of Takehiro Tomiyasu’s unfortunate injury following a thrilling victory over Luton Town.
Despite the Gunners securing a dramatic win at Kenilworth Road with Declan Rice’s last-minute header, the joy was diminished when Arteta disclosed Tomiyasu’s absence. Having stepped up impressively during Ben White’s injury, Tomiyasu earned a consistent place in the starting lineup with standout performances in recent weeks.
Despite White’s return to fitness, Tomiyasu’s calf injury, sustained during the Wolves match, dashed hopes of a precautionary substitution. Arteta confirmed the extent of the damage through scan results, predicting an extended period on the sidelines.
Arteta conveyed the disheartening news, stating, “We had a scan, and it’s not good news. He’s got an injury in his calf, and he’s going to be out for a while,” as reported by Arsenal.com. Tomiyasu’s absence leaves a significant void, given his exceptional performances in various defensive roles, showcasing versatility as a standout full-back and providing cover in central defense.
The Japanese international’s unavailability will be acutely felt by Arsenal, and his absence could prove crucial in the impending clash against Liverpool just before Christmas. Tomiyasu’s proficiency in handling threats like Mohamed Salah may force Arteta to explore alternatives, potentially entrusting Alex Zinchenko to contain the Egyptian star in Tomiyasu’s absence. In light of this setback, Mikel Arteta faces the challenge of reshuffling his defensive strategy to cope with the absence of a key player who played a vital role in Arsenal’s recent successes.
