Takehiro Tomiyasu has had a testing time for Arsenal’s versatile defender this season as his right knee combs his way out of games more than Guardiola’s tactics board. Japanese international initially suffered the injury during pre-season, underwent surgery in August, and returned briefly in October to make a cameo against Southampton. However, the knee had other plans as Tomiyasu returned under the knife for a corrective procedure.
The good news? Tomiyasu had the surgery successfully, with the Gunners man now back on his feet and is expected to be fit again by the end of this year. Without Arsenal fans likely missing his rock solid defending for a while, the focus now returns to making sure he comes back stronger, well he hopefully even has a bigger engine than before.
The Knee That Wouldn’t Quit (But Should’ve)
I mentioned that Tomiyasu’s knee has been the one friend you have who can’t know when to stop drinking. Once he had ambulated and rehabbed, the problem remained, freshening up to require another round of medical intervention. Knees are the Wi-Fi of systems; they go weak, and the whole hinges together.
The aim of the second surgery was to have a full, long term fix. Tomiyasu is now undergoing a carefully devised rehab program by Arsenal’s medical team so he doesn’t come back too soon.
Arsenal’s Defense Without Tomiyasu – Feeling the Void
The truth is, Arsenal without Tomiyasu is like fish without chips; very nice, but without something. The fact that Mikel Arteta had the flexibility to allow him to play both as a right back and center back was something most managers would crave. Without him, Arsenal’s defenders have had to rejig, but depth is there, just no gap when Tomiyasu isn’t]].
In the particularly busy winter fixtures, fans will hope that the team can hold strong until his return. So, Arsenal’s backline does definitely need something to help calm it when under pressure like Tomiyasu did.
For more sports updates, make sure to follow us on:
