Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has delivered an update on Takehiro Tomiyasu's fitness ahead of the Premier League clash against Leicester City on Sunday.
The Japanese international has struggled with a calf injury in recent times, starting just one league match since the turn of the year.
Former Southampton ace Cedric Soares has deputised at right-back in Tomiyasu's absence and is likely to start again against the Foxes this weekend, with Arteta admitting that the Gunners are being cautious with the talented defender.
When asked for team news in his pre-match press conference, the Spaniard said: "Not many changes.
"Tomiyasu we’re still assessing him because we’re taking some time to try to protect him and get him in the best and safest possible way. Emile (Smith Rowe) looks like he’s going to be available."
Tomiyasu joined from Serie A outfit Bologna back in August and the 23-year-old has hit the ground running at the Emirates Stadium, combining intelligent reading of the game with progressive passing in the build-up phase.
According to Whoscored, he has registered 1.9 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 2.7 clearances per game in the league this term and fellow-summer singing Ben White has claimed that he is the best right-back he has played alongside.
Speaking to DAZN Japan back in January, White said: “Tomi is amazing. He’s the best right-back I’ve ever played with.
"He’s always focused. It’s an honour to play next to him. Tomi does the simple things at a world-class level. He is very alert and he isn’t careless in games.
“From the beginning, he’s completely understood English and speaks as well as I do.”
The Arsenal faithful will hope that the versatile fullback can regain his fitness as soon as possible as they continue their quest to end their five-year UEFA Champions League hiatus.
