Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal star is ‘very close’ to returning after Sheffield Utd win

Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal were able to welcome back several injured players in their 6-0 victory over Sheffield United, but there are still a few absentees.

Gabriel Jesus, Thomas Partey and Fabio Vieira all came off the bench to make their respective returns as Arsenal eased to another comfortable win on the road.

Mikel Arteta’s side are in outstanding form, and are still just two points off the top of the league, but with the best goal difference.

Arteta has previously stated that having a fully fit squad for the run-in will be crucial, but whilst his bench was incredibly strong yesterday, there was just one defender in Cedric Soares, as all three of Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber remain sidelined. However, one could now return.

Mikel Arteta claims Takehiro Tomiyasu could make Arsenal return

Speaking after the game, Arteta confirmed that Tomiyasu, who has featured just once since November, could be ready to return soon.

“He’s very close, he’s already doing something on the grass and hopefully we’re going to have him very close with us,” Arteta stated of the defender.

Tomiyasu has not featured at all since participating at the Asia Cup with Japan, during which he picked up yet another injury, but he will be a vital asset for Arsenal if he can return for the final few months of the season.

Takehiro Tomiyasu’s injury problems

Tomiyasu has struggled with injury in all of his campaigns at Arsenal, but is still set to sign a contract extension.

When fit, the 25-year-old is capable of playing across the entire back line, and before his injury in November, was putting in some outstanding performances.

His return will be a welcome one if he does not injure himself again, but perhaps Arteta knows that he cannot rely on the Japan star as a consistent starter. Nevertheless, he will be a useful option off the bench ahead of Cedric.

Jakub Kiwior has filled in well at left-back in recent weeks, and Tomiyasu will have to battle to regain a place in the position, whilst Ben White is also back to his best.

However, rotation for both players will be necessary, with Cedric replacing White as a substitute at Bramall Lane, and Tomiyasu would be an excellent option to have on the bench in this regard as Arsenal look to compete in the title race and the Champions League.