Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta claims that defender Takehiro Tomiyasu's injury is not serious and he should return to action soon. It comes after the Japan international was forced off against FC Zurich in the final match of the Gunners' Europa League group stage campaign.
It led to plenty of concern surrounding the 24-year-old's availability for the World Cup, having been a stalwart of the Japan national team in their lead up to the tournament. However, Tomiyasu was named in the 26-man squad before the break for competition, suggesting he will be fit enough to travel.
An official statement from the club on his selection read: "Having picked up an injury in our Europa League game against FC Zurich last week, Takehiro is currently being assessed regarding his fitness for our remaining matches before the World Cup, but should be available to feature in the tournament."
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Given his importance to the national team and his desire to play for them on the world's biggest footballing stage, the hope of a speedy recovery was a priority. It appears as though the best case scenario for the defender has occurred as Arteta gave an update on him before the Carabao Cup clash with Brighton.
He told the official Arsenal media team: "It’s a small injury for Tomi, he did well to stop during the match, so it’s not going to be a big issue. I think he will be back in a week or so, so hopefully he will be fine to start at the World Cup."
Should he return in a week, he would end up missing Arsenal's final two matches before the break against Brighton in the Carabao Cup and Wolves in the Premier League. However, it appears as though he will be fit enough to make the World Cup in Qatar with his nation.
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