New Delhi: Mikel Arteta seems to be having a bad time with his Arsenal squad with the Gunners suffering another blow. Their injury woes have deepened with the confirmation that versatile defender Takehiro Tomiyasu will miss the rest of the 2024/25 season after undergoing knee surgery. The Japan international, who has been sidelined for months, made just one appearance this campaign, a six-minute cameo in the Gunners’ 3-1 victory over Southampton back in October.
The 26-year-old’s absence has been a lingering concern for Mikel Arteta, who remained tight-lipped about Tomiyasu’s condition for much of the season. However, after an extended period of uncertainty, the club has now confirmed that surgery was the only viable solution to resolve his persistent knee problem. Tomiyasu took to Instagram to announce his operation, reassuring fans that he had already started his rehabilitation process.
“I’ve had surgery on my knee a few days ago and I’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again,” he wrote. “It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a bit more, but I won’t give up. Thank you for your support and see you again.” Tomiyasu is a versatile defender capable of playing on either side of defense or even in the center and Arteta would be hoping for his return given the club’s current struggles with injuries.
🚨⚠️ Takehiro Tomiyasu’s season is over and his focus is now on returning for next season.
“I’ve had a surgery on my knee few days ago and l’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again. It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a… pic.twitter.com/zq42TQp3aq
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 19, 2025
Tomiyasu’s extended absence will now be yet another blow to Arteta’s defensive plans, with the Gunners already forced to shuffle their backline multiple times due to injuries this season. The Japanese star was a key figure in Arsenal’s title run-in last year, showcasing his versatility by excelling at both right-back and left-back. However, his latest setback marks his second significant knee surgery since joining from Bologna in 2021.
Despite his struggles with fitness, Arsenal remain committed to Tomiyasu. The defender signed a contract extension in March 2024, keeping him at the club until 2026, with an option for an additional year. While competition for places at full-back has intensified, especially with the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly, Arteta has always been a firm admirer of Tomiyasu’s defensive qualities.
While Arsenal have managed to cope without Tomiyasu for most of the season, the list of absentees continues to grow. Tomiyasu joins Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in the treatment room, with both players being ruled out for the remainder of the season. Havertz is targeting a return for pre-season following a hamstring injury, but Jesus, who tore his ACL in January, is unlikely to play again in 2025.
Arsenal’s Defensive Depth to Be Tested
Although Arsenal’s backline has been stretched thin, there has been some good news in recent weeks. Ben White, who also underwent knee surgery earlier this season, has returned to full training and was included in the matchday squad for the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Leicester. His presence will offer some much-needed reinforcement in defense, especially with Arsenal looking to maintain their title challenge in the coming months.
Despite the injury setbacks, Arsenal have continued to find solutions. Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko have shared responsibilities at left-back, while Ben White and William Saliba have anchored the central defensive roles in Tomiyasu’s absence. However, with Riccardo Calafiori also enduring injury troubles this season, the squad’s defensive depth will likely be tested further as the campaign progresses.
With Tomiyasu now being ruled out for the rest of the campaign, it seems like a smart move to block Kieran Tierney’s exit in January as the defender offers the club some cover in defense. For now, Tomiyasu’s focus will be on recovery and ensuring he returns stronger next season. As the season reaches its crucial stages, Arteta will be hoping his remaining defensive options can stay fit, while Tomiyasu works behind the scenes to put his injury struggles behind him once and for all.
Arsenal have been dealt another huge blow as their injury crisis at the club deepens with defender Takehiro Tomiyasu now ruled out for the rest of the season, joining others in the treatment room. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
