Arsenal came out 2-1 winners over West Ham on Sunday which saw them move back in front of rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League table. Goals from centre-back duo Rob Holding and Gabriel Magalhaes ensured the Gunners remained two points ahead of Spurs in fourth, as they continue their push for Champions League qualification.
Although there's still a significant spot up for grabs, Arsenal's win at the London Stadium does mean that Mikel Arteta's side is guaranteed a top-six finish, confirming the Europa League will return to the Emirates if fourth isn't claimed.
However, the victory over the Hammers didn't come without its worries after Takehiro Tomiyasu appeared to go off with an issue in the latter stages of the second half. The Japanese international made his first league start since January after being on the sidelines with a reoccurring calf injury.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta provides update on Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka and Ben White Arsenal injuries
Following a rather solid display at right-back, Tomiyasu started to move with a slight limp in the 75th minute. When he found himself in possession without being under any pressure a few seconds later, he kicked the ball out of play and went to ground. As club physios attended to him, the 23-year-old gestured towards his calf and was unable to continue.
Arteta provided an update on the injury scare after the game and although he said he wasn't concerned at the time, it again highlighted the need for an additional right-back option to be signed this summer. It must be said that Cedric Soares has put in some decent shifts at times, but the difference in quality between him and Tomiyasu is worryingly clear, highlighting a weakness within the squad.
With European football returning in some form next season, in addition to the use of five substitutions being permitted, strength in depth will be crucial as the club looks to close the gap on teams around them. Tomiyasu's absence has clearly had an effect on Arsenal's backline in certain matches, with the loss of stability and composure being felt on several occasions.
The unconvincing displays of Cedric should already be enough for Arteta and Technical director Edu to take action, but Tomiyasu's injury scare on Sunday should come as further confirmation that something must be done before it lands us in trouble once again.
The Gunners have been linked with several names in recent months, with Middlesbrough loanee Djed Spence, Norwich City's Max Aarons and Udinese's Nahuel Molina all said to be players of interest.
Cedric's own future does not have to impact any decision to strengthen, with Arteta recently reiterating Tomiyasu's ability to play as both a right-back and left-back. This would be beneficial in the long-term considering Kieran Tierney's own struggles with injury. If there's one area aside from centre-forward and central defence that could do with extra numbers, it's certainly full-back.
