Takehiro Tomiyasu is set to return to Arsenal, after Japan were eliminated from the Asian Cup by a last-minute Iran penalty.

Japan took on Iran in the AFC Asian Cup quarter-final on Saturday, with Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu making a start for his national team.

It started well for the competition favourites, with Japan’s Hidemasa Morita giving them a first-half lead. But the game swung after the break with an equaliser from Mohammed Mohebi.

Iran were in the ascendancy, and they kept Tomiyasu very busy through the remainder of the half, before a mistake by centre-back partner Ko Itakura conceded an injury-time penalty.

Alireza Jahanbakhsh stepped up to convert, and there wasn’t time for Japan to turn things around in the dying seconds.

As a result, Japan have been eliminated from the Asian Cup, and Tomiyasu can return to Arsenal ahead of next week’s trip to face West Ham United.

Had Japan continued to progress, Tomiyasu may have been required to remain at the tournament until February 10th.

Whilst it’s certainly a shame for the player, Arsenal fans will be pleased to welcome Tomiyasu back to club football, providing a strong option for Mikel Arteta all across the defensive line.

Tomiyasu made 10 clearances in Japan’s defeat, as well as two interceptions. He completed 66 of 69 attempted passes and created a chance, but it wasn’t enough.

Arsenal have some huge games coming up this month, including the Champions League last-16 clash with FC Porto, and Premier League matches against West Ham, Burnley, and Newcastle United.

The Gunners also notably face Liverpool this weekend, but there’s no chance of Tomiyasu featuring in that match after 90 minutes for his country the previous day.