Takehiro Tomiyasu's Arsenal return still seems some way off after the defender was left out of the latest Japan squad. The former Bologna defender has been restricted to the sidelines for some time after struggling with calf issues.
The 23-year-old’s last Premier League appearances came over two months ago during the slender defeat to Manchester City on New Year’s Day. He was granted a place on the bench against Brentford last month but has since suffered a setback and has not been included in a matchday squad since.
With Arsenal set to take on Aston Villa this weekend, it appears that Tomiyasu will not be returning any time soon - if his international selection or lack thereof is anything to go by. He has been left out of the Samurai Blue's latest squad with the nation set to take on Australia and Vietnam in World Cup qualifying.
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Any temporary exit from north London during the upcoming international break seems unlikely then, with the defender expected to continue his recovery at London Colney. It remains to be seen quite when Tomiyasu will be available once more and Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted that it is unclear when he can be called upon once more.
Speaking ahead of the Gunners’ defeat to Liverpool, the Spaniard said: "I don't know. He needs to be consistently training for a period [so] that we can minimise the risk of having another recurring injury in the same muscle because it would be something to worry about and we have to stay away from that.”
Since arriving from Bologna in the summer, Tomiyasu has impressed. He has made 18 appearances so far throughout the season and chalked up his only goal contribution so far with an assist in the 2-0 victory against Newcastle United.
With no international action over the upcoming break, all eyes will now be on the Gunners’ trip to Selhurst Park in early April regarding a potential comeback.
