Arsenal have been boosted by the return to fitness of Takehiro Tomiyasu although the Japan international will only be available for two games at the most before he heads off on international duty.
The 25-year-old limped off in the closing stages of the Gunners’ 2-1 win over Wolves on 2 December and scans subsequently confirmed a calf issue. He was expected to be missing for between four to six weeks, so his appearance in training is slightly ahead of schedule.
It remains to be seen whether Arteta will add him to the squad for tomorrow’s clash at Fulham. If he’s up to speed, it wouldn’t be surprising if he makes the bench and then gets minutes when Liverpool visit the Emirates in the FA Cup on 7 January.
After that, we’ll have to wave goodbye to our versatile defender for a few weeks.
Japan play Vietnam in their opening game of the AFC Asia Cup on 14 January and then have further group fixtures against Iraq and Indonesia. The bookies have them down as one of the favourites to win the tournament, which concludes on 10 February, meaning Tomi could miss five more matches. Far from ideal.
In more positive news, we’ve heard Tomiyasu and White are very close to signing new long-term deals at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta has been keen to reward both players for their good form and the news should be confirmed in the next few weeks.
In other news, ESPN reports that Villarreal, Besiktas and Trabszonspor are all keeping tabs on the availability of Cedric Soares. The Portugal international is tipped to leave Arsenal after four years.
“The Portugal international has been tipped to leave Arsenal for four years.”
Fans pour scorn at him yet he has accumulated £15.6 million during that time just to turn up for training.
A smart man..
The man has no shame.
It takes two to make a contract. When called upon, he did his best. It wasn’t a good signing, but that wasn’t his fault.
Great news about Tomi. If we could get both him and Partey fit then it could have a massive effect over the second half of the season.
The last three games have highlighted the major problem that we have with the team right now. We could have easily picked up nine points, but instead we only have one. And we’ve only scored one goal.
WE NEED TO SIGN A STRIKER!
At the moment we have zero chance of winning the title. There’s too much wrong with the team now. But three quality signings could make all the difference.
Well, good luck to Tomi in the Asia Cup, and may he return fit and sharp.
The eight year old that still lives in my football brain continues to have bitterness about Tomis constant injury struggle. Man, I’m so out of control that I’ve concluded that timber won’t return. Ever. Damn you football, damn you to hell!
Happy new year folks.
Have faith, little boy. Timber will play. He may be very good. Tomi we know is good.
Best news to start the new year.
The gunners have not suddenly become poor.Other teams have figured out how to nullify Martinelli and Saka.If the keep on passing endlessly instead of shooting,they will lose to a sucker punch.
Let the gunners have 90 % possession. and 30 shots in front of a packed defence .
I want the gunners to run more with the ball instead of endless passing.
Trossard should start instead of odegard
Don’t need to. Cazorla is back from injury