Mikel Arteta has now explained why Takehiro Tomiyasu was left out as Arsenal took on West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.
Takehiro Tomiyasu was one of a number of first-team stars to miss out as Arsenal thrashed West Ham United 6-0 at the London Stadium.
Along with the Japanese defender, Gabriel Jesus, Emile Smith Rowe, and Oleksandr Zinchenko were all left out of the squad for fitness reasons, along with long-term absentees such as Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, and Fabio Vieira.
In the absence of any other recognised left-back, Jakub Kiwior filled in at full-back for the match. Despite being a centre-back by trade, the Poland international has been deployed on the flank of the defensive line a number of times by Mikel Arteta this season. Kiwior did an excellent job against the Hammers, albeit without being seriously tested defensively at any point.
Why did Takehiro Tomiyasu not play for Arsenal against West Ham?
Although Kiwior has shown that he can be counted upon to fill-in admirably if needed, Arteta will be keen to have Tomiyasu available to play again soon. The 25-year-old has not been seen in action for the Gunners since December, as he left north London to compete with Japan in the Asia Cup in the New Year.
The £19.8 million former Bologna man has had his issues with availability even prior to that international excursion, though. It is certainly fair to say that he has a patchy fitness record. Tomiyasu recently agreed a new contract with Arsenal. However, many fans of the club feel that new terms should not have been offered to Tomiyasu until he has proven that he can remain fit for an extended period.
One thing that is not in doubt, though, is what the player offers Arsenal when he is available. His versatility and two-footedness allow him to play anywhere across the defensive line, and he has developed as a player this season, as he is now able to offer far more of an attacking and creative threat in the final third. He is also a far more solid and reliable defender than Zinchenko when it comes to competing for aerial duels and dealing with opposition attackers in one-on-one situations.
Many Arsenal fans will have been hoping to see Tomiyasu make a return against West Ham. However, Arteta has now provided an update as to why that did not happen. As quoted by the club’s official website, the Spanish coach said, “he had a niggle when he came back from the national team, and it was not the moment to risk him after how many minutes he’s played.”
Hopefully, this latest injury lay-off does not keep him out of the side for long.
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