Arsenal will face West Ham United on Sunday, and Takehiro Tomiyasu might make his season debut.
Following their downturn, the Gunners are back in form. They’ve already won three consecutive games, including a remarkable triumph over Liverpool. Tomiyasu was unavailable for all of those games due to foreign commitments.
Takehiro Tomiyasu could play for the first time this year for West Ham against Arsenal.
Takehiro Tomiyasu is a valuable asset to Arsenal when he is fit.
On New Year’s Eve, the Japan international returned from an injury sustained during the defeat to Fulham. He has since been gone at the Asian Cup, where he helped his side advance to the quarterfinals.
Unfortunately, Japan was knocked out by Iran, and Tomiyasu has returned to North London ahead of his match against West Ham United this weekend.
The ‘world-class’ 25-year-old’s comeback is a huge boost for Arsenal, after Oleksandr Zinchenko sustained a calf injury against Liverpool last Sunday.
The severity of the Ukraine international’s injury is unknown at this time, but the fact that he had to leave at halftime means he is a doubt for the following game.
Jakub Kiwior performed admirably against Liverpool, but if Tomiyasu is ready, we expect Mikel Arteta to use him for the first time this season against West Ham on Sunday.
Tomiyasu will strengthen Arsenal.
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s value to Arsenal cannot be overstated, but Takehiro Tomiyasu provides better balance to Mikel Arteta when he plays left-back.
When opposed to Zinchenko, the Japan international has a far stronger defensive game. He’s also terrific in the air, and while he’s not quite as good in possession, he does a decent job inverting.
This season, West Ham has already damaged Arsenal twice. Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus are both dangerous players, and the Gunners must be cautious about counter-attacks.
Tomiyasu’s return will undoubtedly strengthen them in that department.
