Arsenal 26yo may need 2nd surgery | OneFootball

Arsenal are exploring the possibility of a second knee operation for Takehiro Tomiyasu, with the player struggling to recover from his previous setback.

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Sami Mokbel reports for the Daily Mail that Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu could be set for another injury absence, with the club exploring the option of a second knee operation.

Tomiyasu initially underwent knee surgery in March 2023, and he did return to action at the start of the 2023/24. But after multiple knee setbacks in the last six months, the club now fear another operation may be necessary.

Given the defender’s last knee operation kept him out for three months, another one now would likely end his season.

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Tomiyasu has only played six minutes of football this campaign, beginning the season with a knee injury and suffering another setback immediately after his comeback appearance as a substitute against Southampton.

The defender is one of just two senior Arsenal players not to travel to Dubai for this week’s warm-weather training camp, with the other being Gabriel Jesus – who is recovering from a knee injury of his own.

Arsenal’s other injured stars, including Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Ben White, are all out in Dubai with the squad.

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Tomiyasu’s absence continues to be a blow to Mikel Arteta’s plans, denying him an option at left-back, right-back, and centre-back. But there’s little point planning for the Japan international to be available at the moment.

With White seemingly on the verge of a comeback and Jurrien Timber available, Arsenal at least have a couple of great options on the right of the defence for the coming games.