Earlier this week it was reported that Takehiro Tomiyasu was back in training with Arsenal doing individual fitness sessions but he is now available to be selected for the game against Brentford.

After playing such a consistent role in the Arsenal team in the early stages of his spell with the club, Takehiro Tomiyasu has only made two appearances in the last eight games due to injury.

Mikel Arteta tried to reintegrate the right-back against Liverpool on January 20th, but it was clearly still too soon, and the defender hasn’t featured in a matchday squad or in full training since then.

The good news is that the 23-year-old is now closing in on a return.

Arsenal posted a video showing Tomiyasu taking part in training again, albeit in an individual session. But, speaking at his pre-Brentford press conference, Mikel Arteta confirmed the defender is now availabel to be selected.

“Tomiyasu has trained the last few days,” Arteta said.

“He’s in contention and we can use him.”

It’s clear that Arteta considers Tomiyasu to be part of his best defence. Having him back in the side for the final few months of the season will be key.

If he has to miss the game at the weekend to be available for the following 15 games, so be it.

If he’s ready to return on Saturday, even better.

Bernd Leno is now also available after contracting Covid.