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3rd Arsenal player likely out for season as surgery looms

Arsenal are exploring the possibility of a second knee operation for Takehiro Tomiyasu, with the player struggling to recover from his previous setback.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal looks on as he warms up prior to the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on May 12, 2024. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

Sami Mokbel reports for the Daily Mail that Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu could be set for an extended injury absence, with the club exploring the option of a second knee operation.

Tomiyasu initially underwent knee surgery in March 2023, and he did return to action at the start of the 2023/24. But, after multiple knee setbacks in the last six months, the club now fear another operation may be necessary.

Given the defender’s last knee operation kept him out for three months, another one now would likely end his season.

HIROSHIMA, JAPAN: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Japan looks on during the FIFA World Cup Asian second qualifier Group B match between Japan and Syria at Edion Peace Wing Hiroshima on June 11, 2024. (Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images)
Photo by Koji Watanabe/Getty Images

Tomiyasu has only played six minutes of football this campaign, beginning the season with a knee injury and suffering another setback immediately after his comeback appearance as a substitute against Southampton.

The defender is one of just two senior Arsenal players not to travel to Dubai for this week’s warm-weather training camp, with the other being Gabriel Jesus – who is recovering from a knee injury of his own.

Arsenal’s other injured stars, including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Ben White, are all out in Dubai with the squad.

SEVILLE, SPAIN - OCTOBER 24: Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal FC looks on during the UEFA Champions League match between Sevilla FC and Arsenal FC at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on October 24, 2023 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images

Tomiyasu’s absence continues to be a blow to Mikel Arteta’s plans, denying him an option at left-back, right-back, and centre-back. But there’s little point planning for the Japan international to be available at the moment.

With White seemingly on the verge of a comeback and Jurrien Timber available, Arsenal at least have a couple of great options on the right of the defence for the coming games.

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