Arsenal star suffers shock defeat with National side but receives fitness boost

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Arsenal star Takehiro Tomiyasu is currently away at the Asia Cup with Japan, but the tournament has not gone well for him so far.

Tomiyasu missed Japan’s 4-2 victory over Vietnam in their opening game, but played 45 minutes today as his National side suffered a shock 2-1 defeat at the hands of Iraq.

The versatile defender has been outstanding at times this season, but missed a significant chunk of action with injury before returning for the second half of Arsenal’s defeat to Fulham on New Year’s Eve.

Japan are now second in their group, level with Indonesia, who they play in their final match to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.

Takehiro Tomiyasu faces crucial encounter for Japan

Japan are set to take on Indonesia on Wednesday, and another defeat would prove fatal for their hopes in the Asia Cup.

As one of the favourites for the tournament, this would be a major disappointment for Tomiyasu’s side, and given the importance of the game, the 25-year-old now looks set to start.

Tomiyasu missed the first match as he continued his return to fitness, and his appearance today was a boost as he came through the second half of the game unscathed.

Whilst his country did suffer in his absence, conceding both goals in the first half whilst he was on the bench, he now appears ready to start on Wednesday to give his country much-needed solidity in the back line.

Tomiyasu’s injury problems for Arsenal

Japan will be thankful that Tomiyasu recovered from a spell on the sidelines to feature in the tournament, as the same cannot be said for Thomas Partey, who is currently missing Ghana’s AFCON campaign with injury.

Arsenal will hope that the defender returns from the Asia Cup unharmed, as he will be a vital figure in the second half of the season.

With Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko currently absent, Arsenal are badly lacking depth in the back line, but do not appear set to bring anyone in during the January transfer window. However, if he can stay fit for the rest of the season, Tomiyasu will be a vital figure across the entire defence.

Tomiyasu has suffered injury problems in all of his seasons at Arsenal so far, but is set to sign a new contract regardless, with his versatility and high-performance levels rated highly despite his lack of consistent fitness.