Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has been withdrawn from Japan's squad ahead of the friendly against Ecuador.
Tomiyasu is yet to start a Premier League match for Arsenal this season with Ben White having been the number one choice for Mikel Arteta at right-back. The Japanese defender missed the Gunners' pre-season tour of America as he continued to recover from a series of calf problems.
William Saliba's return and impressive form to start the season has eased the pressure on Tomiyasu to return quickly, allowing him to recover his fitness and ensure he does not suffer further setbacks. The decision to withdraw the 23-year-old from the Japan squad has now struck fear amongst supporters that Tomiyasu has picked up another injury ahead of an important run of fixtures in October.
