Mikel Arteta has hinted there is a possibility that Takehiro Tomiyasu could miss the start of the 2023/24 season. The Japan international has already been ruled out of the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury suffered against Sporting CP in the Europa League.
Tomiyasu was joined by fellow defender William Saliba just moments later in being struck by injury with both yet to play since. There is hope the Frenchman can feature again in the midst of Arsenal's Premier League title pursuit, however Arteta's latest update confirmed his absence for the Chelsea game.
As for Tomiyasu, with his issue being picked up in mid-March, the recovery time was estimated to be three-and-a-half months which would have meant a pre-season return was likely. However, when listing off players who have suffered injuries and the time line for their absences, Arteta hinted that Tomiyasu could be out for longer than expected.
