Takehiro Tomiyasu has become the third Arsenal player to have season-ending surgery this year after an operation on the player’s right knee.
Tomiyasu, 26, has played just 15 minutes during this campaign, all coming as a substitute against Southampton in early October. However, that first appearance of the season will also be his last.
“I’ve had a surgery on my knee few days ago and I’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again,” Tomiyasu captioned an Instagram post featuring a photo of him on crutches, with a brace around his bandaged right knee.
“It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a bit more but I won’t give up. Thank you for your support and see you again.”
William Saliba commented on the post: “Next season bro.” Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Magalhaes also replied with supportive emojis.
The update on social media came two days after a similar one from Kai Havertz, confirming his successful operation on a hamstring injury. Arsenal had already acknowledged they are not expecting the forward to be done with his recovery and rehabilitation programme from a right hamstring injury before their pre-season preparations begin this summer.
Gabriel Jesus was the first player ruled out for the season after sustaining an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Gabriel Martinelli and Saka, though, are set to return in weeks rather than months.
Mikel Arteta reportedly hopes to have the pair back after the March international break. If they are ready to return, then Fulham at home would be when both are back in the fold, the first of Arsenal’s nine remaining Premier League matches.
They would also be ready in time for a potential Champions League quarter-final, should the Gunners advance from their upcoming round of 16 tie.
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