Arsenal have been handed a huge boost to their title chances as Takehiro Tomiyasu is set to join up with the squad in their preparations for a return to the Premier League. That's according to Sports Nippon, who claim that he didn't join up with his Japanese teammates after their World Cup exit in returning to Japan and instead flew straight to Dubai.
It's a U-turn on the defender's previous claims that he needs a break from football after being left distraught from their loss in the knockouts of the tournament. The Samurai Blue fought against all odds to qualify from their group finishing ahead of Spain and Germany, but lost to Croatia on penalties in the last-16.
The clash was Tomiyasu's first start of the tournament after injury concerns and afterwards he was upset with his performances, telling the media: "My performance was a disaster so I am sorry for the team. I just need to be much, much better to help the team.
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"I can't be proud. I am not satisfied about what happened. It was not enough. This is football and we need to be much, much better. I don’t know [when I'll be back]. Hopefully I can get a bit of rest. I need time to forget about football. I need a bit of time."
The final line suggested that it could be a while before the Japan international joined up with the Gunners as they prepare for a return to football. However, his U-turn on that decision comes as a huge boost, with Arteta's side already in Dubai and playing in the Dubai Super Cup.
The side beat Lyon in the friendly competition 3-0 on Thursday afternoon and will be back in action against AC Milan on Tuesday, December 13, though whether Tomiyasu is involved after what would be a short break remains to be seen.
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