‘He feels terrible’: Mikel Arteta says Arsenal defender feels really bad now

Arsenal have a number of injury issues at the moment, and one of the affected players is Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Tomiyasu has been on the books of Arsenal since 2021, but the defender has had bad luck with injuries.

The Japan international has been able to make only 65 appearances in the Premier League. Tomiyasu has scored two goals, given three assists and kept 11 clean assists in those games.

The 26-year-old, who can play as a centre-back or as a full-back, has played only six minutes in the Premier League this season. Micah Richards has criticised Tomiyasu as well for his performances when he has been fit.

The £20 million defender will be on the sidelines for a while, and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed how the defender feels about it.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta wants to help Takehiro Tomiyasu

When asked if there is any timeframe on Tomiyasu, Arteta said, as quoted on Arsenal’s official website: “No. He is going to be away now for a few weeks to continue with his treatment and as well change a little bit the environment, because psychologically it has been really, really tough for him – as you can imagine. 

“He is a guy that the only thing he wants to do is work 24 hours to get better and he feels terrible when he is not fit. It’s a real shame, so we are going to give him the best opportunity to try out that kind of thing.

“If it can trigger something, unlock something and try to help him, to have him as quick as possible back – but I think we need to be patient.”

Arsenal could sell Takehiro Tomiyasu

Tomiyasu is a good defender who has impressed on occasions during his time at Arsenal so far.

Ben White has previously said that Tomiyasu is very different in training. Declan Rice has also been impressed with his Arsenal teammate. Gabriel Jesus has said that Tomiyasu is his toughest opponent in training.

However, Arsenal could sell Tomiyasu due to his injury issues. The defender is not a regular in the starting lineup when he is fit either. He is a squad player at best.

It would be a shame if Tomiyasu does not get to fulfil his potential at Arsenal because of his injury problems.