Arsenal look set to be without defender Takehiro Tomiyasu for Saturday’s trip to Aston Villa after he was left out of Japan’s squad for the upcoming international break.
Tomiyasu missed Wednesday night’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool and has not played for Arsenal since January due to a calf problem.
Mikel Arteta has stressed how Arsenal are not rushing Tomiyasu’s return and he will seemingly miss Saturday’s game at Aston Villa too, meaning he won’t return to action until April.
The right-back has been left out of the Japan squad for their World Cup qualifiers this month against Australia and Vietnam.
That would suggest Tomiyasu is still struggling with his calf issue and is not expected to be back for Saturday’s game at Villa Park either.
Arsenal head to the Midlands looking to strengthen their grip on fourth place in the Premier League after losing to Liverpool at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night.
