Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the fitness of Takehiro Tomiyasu following last week’s news that the Japan international had picked up another calf problem.
The right-back recovered from a long-standing issue with his right calf to take up a place on the subs bench when Brentford visited the Emirates on 19 February but was missing five days later when the Gunners beat Wolves.
“We’re in the same place as last week, we still have a doubt over Tomiyasu,” said Arteta ahead of this weekend’s trip to Watford.
He added: “The rest, I think they are all in a good place.”
With that in mind, we expect Cedric will continue to deputise for Tomiyasu and Emile Smith Rowe to challenge Gabriel Martinelli for place in the starting lineup.
I hope we get Tommy back soon. In fairness, Cedric has been doing well deputising and not as badly as I feared. I hope this remains true come Sunday..
never really understood the criticism agaist cedric, who before this current run of games had only started 15 games for arsenal. sure, he’s never had an outstanding game, but i also don’t think he’s never been very bad either. and i support arsenal, so i know a thing or two about bad defending!
Watford we should be alright. Doesn’t sound like he’ll be ready for Leicester either, we should be ok there but they are dangerous on that side. Unlikely he’ll be thrown in again against Liverpool. My guess is we won’t see him until next month
Seems plausible. Worth noting Japan have a vital World Cup qualifier against Australia on March 24. If the Aussie’s win, they’ll leapfrog Japan into second, so I’d imagine he’ll be targeting that.
Like one in a certain place said: it’s a tale of two calves with Tomiyasu.🙏🏻
Excellent mate!
Nice selection dilemma on the wings for Arteta this week. Bearing in mind how likely Watford are to put 11 behind the ball and how well Pepe did against Wolves in a similar situation I would quite like to see Pepe start. Other than that I think ESR should be ahead of Martinelli in the pecking order as ESR hasn’t had a good run in the team for a couple of months now.
I’d prefer we go with the same process as against Wolves. If necessary bring on Pepe and the other of ESR or Gabi earlier at 60′ instead of 70′ if tied or (help us ) chasing.
Set a pattern our starters and subs can rely on.
Until his goal, Lacazette was having a stinker.
Time to play Martinelli up front with Saka on the left and Pepe on the right. Odegaard in his usual central number 10 slot.
Laca and ESR from the bench (assuming the latter is fit to play).
The other seven back line pick themselves.
Well if Pepe starts that means Saka on the bench?
Pepe and Eddie changed the game when they came on but I’d suspect Arteta rolls with the 11 that started against Wolves.
That’s one of the advantages we have over Sp*ds and United – how consistent our starting line-ups are.
If Pepe starts then Saka could play on the left. He has before.
Troodat. The thing about Pepe is that he is really a roll of the dice: can turn a game in 3 seconds of brilliance, but can also be frustrating. I remain a big fan and a believer that, given a proper run of games, he will show us everything we paid for!
Ramsdale
Cedric White Gabriel Tierney
Partey Xhaka
Saka Ode Pepe
Laca
Pepe should be rewarded for that nice goal. Watford will sit deep and we need a little of that creative chaos that Pepe provides.
COYG!!!
I like this team but why reward Pepe for one goal and not ESR for his 10
I’d start both of them if ESR is ready. Saka has looked tired, we’ve got three matches in six days. If we need to apply further pressure, Saka and Martinelli will be waiting to make an impact.
Could be good to have ESR on the bench as a sub for Ødegaard though…
Agree – it’s not heresy to suggest Saka could sit on the bench for this one and come one to load the attack, should we need it (please god, not!). Give the lad 60 minutes off, why not? Start Pepe and let’s see what he offers… it’s a win-win imho.
Pepe did more the other night than score a goal.
He woke the team up and changed the game.
Pepe on the left-wing after a decent 15 minute cameo. I can’t see it. Arteta will stick to the reliable options of Martinelli or ESR.
I think you’re underselling Pepe’s contribution a fair bit. It was a 25 minute cameo, and it changed the game from one we were losing to one that we won.
Cedric has been decent. As has Nik Pep… and Thomas… and Mik himself – would that the haters learn a little self-control, patience and the simple human acceptance that most professional athletes truly try to ‘do the best’ every week. There are invariably other factors at play behind the scenes to which we are not ‘Partey’.
So just breathe… keep the faith… think before you attack so personally. This is our club – and it always will be.
Cedric is both a much better player than people acknowledged but also nowhere as good a defender against a fast, skilled, winger as Tomiyasu. Mane or Jota would be a big problem for Cedric. Okay, a big problem for most anyone, but Tomiyasu would be much better. Against most sides, Cedric is fine.
No he isn’t fine. He is a disaster waiting to happen and the weakest link in an otherwise good side.
Watford will target our right hand side because of him.
Let’s hope he can get through it without any more cock ups.
He’s been excellent in his last 3 matches and has certainly been far away from a weak link. Obviously Tomiyasu is a better player but on current form I am happy with Cedric deputising. Have you actually watched his recent contribution to the team?
God I miss Tommie 😕
The image used is pure brokeback.
Not that there is anything wrong with that!