Takehiro Tomiyasu injured again: time for Arsenal to move on?

Takehiro Tomiyasu’s time at Arsenal has been marred by recurring injuries, and the latest setback only adds to the frustration for the player, club, and supporters alike.

Tomiyasu, who made his return to the pitch for just six minutes against Southampton before the international break, has now suffered yet another injury.

Ahead of Arsenal’s game against Bournemouth, Mikel Arteta told reporters, “It doesn’t hopefully look like a long period [out], but we have to see when he comes back and how he reacts to the load and to the impact on the pitch as well.

“We really need him, he’s been incredible,” Arteta continued. !The work rate, the amount of hours that he’s put in to get back – he did it –  and was in great shape and then picked up something. We’re all behind him, he needs our support and hopefully he’ll be fine.”

For Tomiyasu, the latest injury is yet another chapter in a frustrating cycle that has felt like he has spent more time in rehabilitation than on the pitch.

This season, the Japanese international has played just six minutes—coming on as a late substitute against Southampton—after missing the first 10 games of the campaign due to a knee injury sustained in July.

What was initially thought to be a matter of weeks stretched into nearly 13 weeks on the sidelines. His return was brief, and now he’s back in the treatment room.

Since joining Arsenal from Bologna in the summer of 2021 for €18.6m, Tomiyasu has missed 54 games for both club and country. This injury-prone trend was already present when Arsenal signed him, as he had just recovered from a knee problem the month prior.

Despite his qualities as a versatile defender who can slot in at right-back or centre-back with ease, Tomiyasu’s inability to maintain fitness raises questions about his future at Arsenal.

The repeated absences are not only frustrating but also detrimental to Arsenal’s squad depth and defensive stability.

His contract, which runs until 2026 with an option for another year, provides some flexibility for Arsenal, but it’s increasingly difficult to justify relying on a player whose availability is so inconsistent.

Arsenal have been forced to adapt in his absence on multiple occasions, which has disrupted Mikel Arteta’s plans for defensive rotation.

Tomiyasu’s injury history at Arsenal tells a dismal story.

Last season, he suffered two separate calf injuries that sidelined him for a combined 71 days, leading to 13 games missed.

The year before, he required knee surgery that kept him out for over three months, along with other muscular problems.

The 2021/22 season also saw him miss significant time due to calf injuries.

The pattern of injuries dates back to his time before Arsenal, where he dealt with knee problems, muscular issues, and multiple calf injuries during his stint with Bologna.

These recurring issues raise questions about his long-term durability.

Given Tomiyasu’s extensive injury history, it’s not unreasonable to wonder whether Arsenal should look to move on. Investing in a more reliable defensive option could prove beneficial for a side with title ambitions, where consistency and squad depth are paramount.

When fit, Tomiyasu offers versatility and defensive resilience, qualities that are crucial to any title-challenging side. His adaptability and calm presence on the ball have made him a valued member of the squad whenever he’s been available.

However, the harsh reality is that Arsenal can ill afford to carry a player whose contributions are constantly hindered by injury setbacks.

Arteta’s side has made significant strides over the past two seasons, and having reliable options in every position is key to sustaining their momentum.

The decision Arsenal face is a difficult one—whether to persist with a talented but unreliable player or cut their losses and invest in someone who can offer the consistency required at the top level.

With the January transfer window approaching, this latest injury may force Arsenal to reassess their defensive needs and consider bringing in reinforcements.

The demands of competing across multiple fronts necessitate a squad that can be relied upon week in, week out—something Tomiyasu has sadly not been able to provide.