- An Arsenal star has been limited to just six minutes of action this season
- The defender has since undergone a knee operation and will miss the remainder
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Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu has undergone an operation on his knee and will miss the remainder of the campaign.
The Japan defender has played just six minutes of football this season, coming on as a late substitute in the Premier League win over Southampton in October, following a three month recovery from an knee injury that saw him miss the start of the season.
Mail Sport previously revealed that Tomiyasu’s long-term fitness is of growing concern, with his second knee operation now confirmed.
Taking to Instagram, the defender wrote: ‘I’ve had a surgery on my knee few days ago and I’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again.
‘It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a bit more but I won’t give up. Thank you for your support and see you again’.
In the picture, the full-back posed with a thumbs up as he balanced with his crutches, with his right knee strapped up.
Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu has undergone a second operation on his knee
The defender has played just six minutes of football for the Gunners during the campaign
It’s expected that he will now miss the rest of the 2024-25 campaign.
In 2023, Tomiyasu underwent an original knee operation which kept the 26-year-old out of action for three months.
With that in mind, a second knee procedure arrives as a blow to Tomiyasu, whose time at Arsenal has already been beset by injury issues.
Speaking last month head coach Mikel Arteta provided a positive update on Tomiyasu’s fitness saying: ‘Tomi has done some stuff on the pitch, but now because it’s been a long-term injury, we need to see how quickly he can progress and how he reacts.’
But there is now some pessimism regarding Tomiyasu’s recovery, news amplified by talks over a potential operation.
Tomiyasu’s contract has 18 months left to run, but with Arsenal well-stocked at the back the defender may listen to offers for him at the end of the season.
However, any plans to sell Tomiyasu, who did not travel to Dubai on the club’’s mid-winter trip, may have to be shelved after his operation.
Tomiyasu becomes the latest star to be sidelined for the Gunners, alongside Germany international Kai Havertz.
Havertz will miss the remainder of the campaign after suffering a hamstring injury during a training camp in the United Arab Emirates, as first reported by Mail Sport.
Tomiyasu joins Kai Havertz (pictured) on the sidelines for the remainder of the campaign
The German successfully underwent surgery on Saturday and will start a recovery programme which will extend into pre-season.
Havertz posted on social media: ‘The last few days have been tough to process both physically and mentally. But yesterday was a good day. A successful op and a win’
‘Thanks for all the messages of support over the last few days, it’s really helped.
‘I’m now focused on my journey to full fitness and giving all the support I can give to the team in the background.’
