Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, has admitted that it is unclear whether Takehiro Tomiyasu will be available to play against Liverpool as he continues his recovery from injury.
Tomiyasu, a £17 million deadline day signing from Bologna in August, has performed admirably in his first Premier League season.
Tomiyasu, a very solid defender who can play on either foot, has supported attacks well without being a typical’modern-day’ full back.
The Japanese star suffered an injury in January, and while he did play against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup that month, he hasn’t been seen since.
Tomiyasu hasn’t played a single minute of Premier League action since the New Year’s Day match against Manchester City, leaving Arteta and Arsenal fans frustrated.
Cedric Soares has filled in admirably at right back, but Arsenal would prefer to have Tomiyasu back and firing for the final few minutes.
Tomiyasu did make the bench against Brentford in February, but that was his closest call to a first-team return.
Arsenal hosts Liverpool at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, and it’s unclear whether Tomiyasu will be available.
Tomiyasu’s defensive ability has greatly aided Arsenal’s defense, but he has had a very frustrating 2022 season thus far.
Arsenal manager Arteta has now spoken to the club’s official website ahead of the game, indicating that the club is attempting to push Tomiyasu in his comeback.
Arteta is unsure whether Tomiyasu will be able to face Liverpool, believing it will depend on how the 23-year-old performs today.
“Tomi is the only one who is still in contention [to miss the game],” Arteta said. “We’ve been trying to push him, but with the handbrake on a little bit because we don’t want to injure him any further.” We’re not sure [if tomorrow is too soon]. “I’m curious to see how he trains today,” he added.
As a result, we expect Cedric to start the game, with Tomiyasu possibly on the bench, as it just seems too risky to put him in the starting lineup in one of the most intense games of the season.
