Arsenal could be without versatile defender Takehiro Tomiyasu for up to six weeks, according to a report from Evening Standard.
The 25-year-old is facing between four to six weeks out with a calf injury. He suffered the injury during the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Wolves and hasn’t featured in the 4-3 win against Luton Town.
It seems, he is not only going to miss the weekend’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa, but also could be out until February. Tomiyasu is expected to participate in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar as well, so he could miss action for up to two months.
He is an important player for Japan and Arteta will miss his services during January. The Standard claims that Tomiyasu’s injury may place his Asian Cup participation in some doubt, but he is going to be picked anyway, even if he is not fully fit.
If Japan reach the final, Tomiyasu could miss action until February 10.
Big blow
His absence will come as a big blow for the club as Arsenal do not have enough quality full-back. Moreover, Tomiyasu provides flexibility at the back because of his versatility.
He has been in good form this season and earned Player of the Month honours at the Emirates Stadium for October.
He limped off during the closing stages of the game against Wolves, and Arteta is likely to be without him against Villa. Summer signing Jurrien Timber also sidelined with a serious knee injury and it is unclear when he can return to action.
Jakub Kiwior started at left-back against Luton but he does not seem to exude enough confidence at the back. Mikel Arteta has the likes of Cedric Soares as another option who can step up as additional cover for first-choice pair Oleksandr Zinchenko and Ben White.
The Gunners will face Villa, Brighton, Liverpool, West Ham and Fulham in the Premier League this month.
