Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is set to miss several festive fixtures after sustaining a calf strain during the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Saturday, according to the Daily Mail.
The Japanese star limped off the field, prompting tests to assess the extent of the injury. Tomiyasu will be out for between three to four weeks.
The 25-year-old former Bologna defender has emerged as a crucial figure in Arsenal’s backline, filling in for Ben White, who has been struggling with a muscular problem.
Tomiyasu is also versatile enough to deputise for Oleksandr Zinchenko at left-back. He leaves a massive hole behind in his absence.
Arsenal has pivotal encounters looming, including a clash with former boss Unai Emery, who now leads Aston Villa, on Saturday.
They then engage in high-stakes Premier League battles against Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool, West Ham United and Fulham.
Tomiyasu’s absence leaves a significant void in manager Mikel Arteta’s defence as we head into the fixture-packed festive season.
Even if Tomiyasu can make a comeback, the Asia Cup begins on January 12, and he will be away with Japan.
The news of Tomiyasu’s absence casts a shadow over the squad’s prospects during the hectic Christmas period.
The defensive setback comes at a time when the Gunners can ill-afford any more injury concerns. Arteta must navigate a challenging fixture list with a depleted defensive unit.
Arsenal are gunning for their first Premier League title in 20 years and need all hands on deck as they pursue a trophy that eluded them last year.
They currently top the table with five points and will be hoping this is the year they can end their embarrassing league drought.
