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.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
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.
More: Trending
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.
MORE : ‘Devastated’ – Team GB miss out on 2024 Olympics despite England thrashing Scotland
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.