After playing such a consistent role in the Arsenal team in the early stages of his spell with the club, Takehiro Tomiyasu has only made two appearances in the last eight games due to injury.
Mikel Arteta tried to reintegrate the right-back against Liverpool on January 20th, but it was clearly still too soon, and the defender hasn’t featured in a matchday squad or in full training since then.
The good news is that the 23-year-old is now closing in on a return.
Arsenal have posted a video showing Tomiyasu taking part in training again, albeit in an individual session.
There’s still a few more days before the game against Brentford, so it’s not impossible the Japan international makes it back in time to feature in the squad.
But Arsenal are likely to be keen to avoid rushing him after that experience in the Liverpool game.
It’s clear that Arteta considers Tomiyasu to be part of his best defence. Having him back in the side for the final few months of the season will be key.
If he has to miss the game at the weekend to be available for the following 15 games, so be it. If he’s ready to return on Saturday, even better.
