Distraught Arsenal fans say ‘this is the worst time to lose him’ after key player is ruled out with injury
ARSENAL fans are distraught after finding out Takehiro Tomiyasu will be out of action over the jammed-pack Christmas period.
The full-back limped off in the closing stages in the Gunners’ 2-1 win against Wolves after sustaining a calf injury.
There was hope Tominyasu would be passed fit to feature at the Premier League clash against Luton on Tuesday night but was left out of the squad altogether.
Mikel Arteta confirmed the Japanese international’s blow after their last-minute 4-3 win thanks to Declan Rice.
He said: “We had a scan and it’s not good news.
“He’s got an injury in his calf and he’s going to be out for a while.”
And fans are gutted to hear the devasting news and it is reported that a best-case scenario for recovery is three-to-four weeks for the defender.
One supporter said: “So upset by this man… The man was just starting to take a place in the 11 and he gets an injury.”
Another added: “Worst possible time to lose him as well ffs. Gws.”
A third put: “We are a Ben White injury away from playing Cedric Soares in a title race.”
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While a fourth said: “We’re very very close to having Cedric start a game for us.”
With Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey already out Arteta’s only fit senior defensive options are Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, William Saliba, Gabriel, Jakub Kiwior and Cedric Soare.
Tomiyasu had only just reached his form again as he was sidelined at the end of last term after suffering a brutal knee injury.
He had been covering for both White and Oleksandr Zinchenko as they returned to full fitness making him a valuable member of Arteta’s squad.
But luckily for the Spaniard White has started to reach his form again after an injury concern meaning Arsenal are covered at right-back.
However, the Gunners have a busy festive period as they have six fixtures across December.
This includes a Champions League group stage showdown with PSV Eindhoven and a clash with top spot contenders Liverpool.