Mikel Arteta has hinted there is a possibility that Takehiro Tomiyasu could miss the start of the 2023/24 season. The Japan international has already been ruled out of the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury suffered against Sporting CP in the Europa League.
Tomiyasu was joined by fellow defender William Saliba just moments later in being struck by injury with both yet to play since. There is hope the Frenchman can feature again in the midst of Arsenal's Premier League title pursuit, however Arteta's latest update confirmed his absence for the Chelsea game.
As for Tomiyasu, with his issue being picked up in mid-March, the recovery time was estimated to be three-and-a-half months which would have meant a pre-season return was likely. However, when listing off players who have suffered injuries and the time line for their absences, Arteta hinted that Tomiyasu could be out for longer than expected.
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"I don’t know, he’s an important player but I don’t know how to quantify," Arteta said when asked about how important Saliba's absence has been ahead of Tuesday's game with Chelsea.
"I don’t know how to quantify when Gabriel Jesus has been out for four months, Nketiah for three months, Emile Smith Rowe for four and a half months, Kieran Tierney out for a few weeks, Tomiyasu out for three-and-a-half months, maybe now six months. This is football."
A return in six months would see Tomiyasu back available in September and this news could affect defensive plans in the transfer market, with Tomiyasu's absence likely to be felt in the back line.
The Gunners have already shown interest in Real Valladolid's Ivan Fresneda and recently made enquiries for Ajax star Devyne Rensch in an attempt to add quality depth to a squad that has been exposed by injuries this season.
A midfield addition also appears likely with Declan Rice as the top target, as football.london understands. Key talks will also be held regarding Folarin Balogun, who will return from an excellent loan spell at French side Reims in the summer.
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