James McNicholas reports that after missing all of the United States tour, Takehiro Tomiyasu is still a doubt to feature in the remainder of Arsenal’s pre-season preparations.
Tomiyasu withdrew late from Arsenal’s trip to the U.S. with a knee injury, and he’s evidently not yet set for a comeback.
The 25-year-old played Arsenal’s final game of the 2023/24 campaign and went on to feature for Japan in June without incident, but a pre-season injury has kept him out of all of the Gunners’ friendly matches so far.
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)
SEVILLE, SPAIN: 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. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Even worse, the same report from McNicholas confirms that Kieran Tierney has already been ruled out of the remainder of the pre-season.
Tierney was forced off during Scotland’s Euro 2024 match against Switzerland in June after his knee hyperextended and he fell to the turf clutching his hamstring.
Arsenal and Scotland have stayed quiet on the length of Tierney’s expected absence, but we now know he won’t be back before the new competitive season kicks off.
Tomiyasu’s injury shouldn’t be hugely harmful to Arsenal, particularly if he’s back in the first week or two of the new season.
The Gunners have other options at right-back, centre-back, and at left-back, so they can afford to ease the Japan international back into action.
Tierney’s injury is more of a concern, as it may prevent him from getting a loan or permanent transfer.
The left-back is way down the pecking order as it stands, with Jakub Kiwior, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riccardo Calafiori, Jurrien Timber, and Tomiyasu all likely preferred on the left. He needs a transfer, but he needs to get fit to secure one
