Takehiro Tomiyasu has returned to training after the Japanese defender has been left on the sidelines for a while and looks set to back after the international break.
The 23-year-old’s has been a regular name in the Arsenal blocks since arriving from Bologna in the summer, Tomiyasu has impressed.
He has made 18 appearances so far throughout the season and chalked up his only goal contribution so far with an assist in the 2-0 victory against Newcastle United.
But, injury has limited his appearances this season with the 23-year-old’s last Premier League appearances came over two months ago during the slender defeat to Manchester City on New Year’s Day.
The Japanese defender has missed the last six games with a calf injury. (image: Getty Images)
Despite given a place on the bench against Brentford last month, has since suffered a setback and has not been included in a matchday squad since.
Mikel Arteta in his pre-match press conference on Tuesday, he said they are proceeding cautiously with his recovery, as he needs to be ‘consistently training’ for a period of time before he can be named in match day squad.
“We don’t know [if tomorrow is too soon]. Let’s see how he trains today.” He said.
He needs to be consistently training for a period [so] that we can minimise the risk of having another recurring injury in the same muscle because it would be something to worry about and we have to stay away from that”.
With Arsenal set to take on Aston Villa this weekend, it appears that Tomiyasu will not be returning any time soon until after the international break.
The 23-year-old has been left out of the Samurai Blue’s latest squad with the nation set to take on Australia and Vietnam in World Cup qualifying.
With no international action over the upcoming break, all eyes will now be on the Gunners’ trip to Selhurst Park in early April regarding a potential comeback.