Mikel Arteta says Takehiro Tomiyasu is making progress with his recovery from injury but stopped short of confirming whether the player will be involved against Wolves tomorrow night.
The right-back was forced to pull out of Japan’s World Cup qualifiers after aggravating a calf issue in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on 20 January and stayed behind in London when the rest of the first team squad travelled to Dubai for an extended warm-weather training camp.
Asked for an update on the 23-year-old, Arteta said on Wednesday: “He’s there [in training], he had a recurring injury in the same place so we had to be careful with him but he’s been training hard. Let’s see if he’s available or not.”
Since joining from Bologna in the summer, Tomiyasu has become an important part of the Gunners’ defence, playing 16 times in the Premier League.
If Tomiyasu isn’t available, the boss needs to decide whether Cedric (now fully fit) should get the nod or if it’s worth moving Ben White from his usual position in the centre of defence.
He’ll be in the starting line up tomorrow. Agent Arteta playing the cards close to his chest
Yes, he’s starting tomorrow. Away to Wolves is one of the tougher games remaining on paper.
COYG, lets get the 3 points.
My confidence in us getting 3 points and attacking well on both flanks is directly linked to Tomiyasu starting. Really hope he’s back fully fit and picks up where he left off.
You really notice the drop in class/attacking threat when it’s Cedric playing instead of him
I’m not sure that’s true, I think Cedric is an extremely good crosser of the ball and has excellent attacking instincts. But it’s his defensive weaknesses, especially against a fast winger, that worry me. And he is pretty useless at dropping back as, in effect, a third centre half, where Tomiyasu is very effective. It makes the White/Gabriel partnership much more secure and allows Tierney to bomb forward more confidently. Overall, yes, a big drop-off when Cedric replaces him, but not necessarily in attack.
It is a drop off in attack overall precisely because Cedric wants to be differently (and more) involved in attack. You said it yourself in terms of it limiting Tierney but it also limits Saka because Cedric wants to take up the spots Saka would otherwise take with Tomi in the team
don’t agree. Tomiyasu is a key cog in our attacking buildup. he provides an important outlet, technical security in possession and his presence allows saka more freedom. Therefore, yes, there is also a massive big drop-off in the attack when Cedric comes in run around.
I’d prefer he sits this one out if there is any doubt about his fitness. Better to miss one game than exacerbate an injury.
If he’s not ready it would be Mr White for me on the flank
why, having Holding as a starting centre back is complete nightmare
Certainly beats Cedric starting at RB
If he’s not ready, perhaps can move Saka to right back and play Pepe on the right wing. I trust Saka can do a good job there and he did it before.
At right back?
Could that be during his time at Hale End?
He definitely played as a Right Wingback under Arteta (like once) but not sure about Rightback.
Either way, I don’t know why we would want to limit one of our most important attacking threats like that
What about a different lineup:
Ramsdale
White Holding Gabi
Saka Partey Xhaka Tierney
Ode Martinelli
Laca
Or a back 4 with Tavares on RB. Please no Cedric…
If he can’t go definitely better to have White play there and Holding come into the middle vs Cedric at RB.
Why are people suggesting saka at RB? He’s left footed so can play well as a left back whipping in a cross or facing our goal tackling the ball out of play. On the right he is not suitable except in dire circumstances. It’s why tavares who has played there before for other teams has only had like 90 minutes there because he’s a lefty
I think that’s correct. An inverted winger, cutting into the centre of the pitch allowing a shot with his strong foot, is pretty common. A full back playing his “wrong” side is at an immense disadvantage defending.