Takehiro Tomiyasu was forced off with injury against Wolves (Photo: Getty)
Mikel Arteta says Takehiro Tomiyasu will be ‘out for a while’ with a calf injury in a huge blow for Arsenal.
Tomiyasu picked up the injury during the 2-1 win over Wolves last Saturday and was ruled out for the trip to Luton Town on Tuesday night.
The Gunners beat the Hatters 4-3 at Kenilworth Road thanks to a 97th minute winner from Declan Rice that has sent them five points clear at the top of the Premier League.
Ahead of the clash, Arteta said of the Japan defender: ‘We took him off as a precaution so we’ll wait. He’s a strong boy and hopefully he’ll be fine.’
This gave Arsenal fans hope that the 25-year-old, who has been in great form recently, would make a speedy recovery, with the congested, festive fixtures on the horizon.
However, when asked out how Tomiyasu was in his post-Luton press conference, the manager confirmed the worst.
‘We had a scan and it’s not good news,’ Arteta said.
Jakub Kiwior was forced to play left-back for Arsenal against Luton (Photo: Getty)
‘He’s got an injury in his calf and he’s going to be out for a while.’
Thankfully for Arteta, first-choice right-back Ben White has returned to full fitness and even recorded a sublime assist for Arsenal’s second goal against Luton, while outcast star Cedric Soares can also be called upon.
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But with Jurrien Timber still recovering from his long-term injury, Oleksandr Zinchenko is now the only natural left-back option, which forced Arteta into starting centre-back Jakub Kiwior in that position against the Hatters.
Arsenal are back in action on Saturday, away to high-flying Aston Villa.
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Arteta confirmed the news after the 4-3 victory at Luton.