Arsenal will still be without first-choice right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu this afternoon…
What’s the latest?
That’s according to Premier League injury expert Ben Dinnery, who relayed key information from Mikel Arteta’s pre-game press conference ahead of today’s clash with Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium.
“Takehiro Tomiyasu continues to be hampered by an ongoing calf complaint,” he tweeted alongside comments from the Spanish head coach. “We’re still assessing him because we’re taking some time to protect him.”
Huge blow
The Japan international has been absent for each of their last five top-flight outings with a pair of injuries to both his calves.
Now valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, the 23-year-old has proven to be a reliable and influential member of not just the Gunners’ defence but the squad as a whole.
He is one of the many summer signings to have helped completely transform the team and their fortunes on the pitch.
Whilst Arsenal have plenty of games in hand on their nearby rivals, this encounter is pivotal in the race for the top four as three points would see them leapfrog Manchester United, who defeated Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday evening, into fourth place.
They would then only be a handful of points behind third-placed Chelsea with a couple of games in hand.
Their chances of success against a Foxes side who have turned a corner in recent weeks is made difficult without Tomiyasu’s influence down the right flank.
As per WhoScored, he currently ranks as their fourth-best performer on the campaign so far, only bettered by Hale End duo Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, and assist-king Alexandre Lacazette.
No one is winning more aerial duels (2.7 per game) or tackles (1.9 per game) in the current Gunners squad, whilst 0.7 key passes and crosses per outing suggests he can have some involvement in the final third, too.
“Tomi is amazing. He’s the best right-back I’ve ever played with. He’s always focused. It’s an honour to play next to him,” teammate Benjamin White told DAZN Japan earlier in the year.
On the above evidence, still not having the Japanese right-back available is certainly going to be a gutting blow to Arteta.
AND in other news, Signed for £30m, now worth £59m: Edu struck gold on “incredible” £79k-p/w “baller”…