With the World Cup taking place in the middle of the Premier League season, injuries to key players are a fan's worst nightmare, especially if you are an Arsenal supporter.
The Gunners find themselves top of the table after 14 games and five points ahead of current champions Manchester City, however, with nine players currently representing their countries in Qatar, fitness concerns still linger.
Seven of those nine players are guaranteed starters under Mikel Arteta, with the likes of William Saliba, Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus in action, but it is the duo of Thomas Partey and Takehiro Tomiyasu who have perhaps been monitored the closest due to their recent injury record.
READ MORE: France boss Didier Deschamps sticks by William Saliba World Cup decision that benefits Arsenal
Both players have encountered injury problems already this season, missing a combined eight games. Although Partey has so far been able to avoid further problems at the World Cup, the same can’t be said for Tomiyasu.
The defender came off the bench in the second half of Japan’s shock win vs Germany but appeared to struggle towards the end, sitting down on the pitch at full-time while his teammates celebrated. Tomiyasu was then an unused sub against Costa Rica, which was another indication of his lack of fitness.
Despite it being touch and go whether the 24-year-old would feature in the last group stage match against Spain later today, Tomiyasu took part in full training ahead of the game and provided a positive update that will no doubt please Arsenal fans - and Arteta.
“Injury is not a problem,” Tomiyasu told the press. “We will give everything we have. Everyone on the team was also disappointed (losing to Spain in the Olympics), so I want to make sure we get our revenge.”
Victory against Spain would see Japan proceed to the last 16, while a draw could be enough if Costa Rica vs Germany also finishes level. A defeat, however, would knock Japan out of the tournament.
READ NEXT:
Ben White leaves England World Cup squad due to 'personal reasons'
Arsenal send Ben White message of support amid England World Cup squad exit
Bukayo Saka faces anxious wait ahead of England selection amid Gareth Southgate's form claims
5 Arsenal youngsters who could be part of Mikel Arteta's Dubai preseason squad
Arsenal U21s player ratings vs Sparta Prague U21s as Joel Ideho lively and Hubert Graczyk mixed
