Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu could be available for selection for the Gunners' Premier League title clash with Liverpool on February 4 following Japan's surprise 2-1 defeat to Iraq.
The versatile wing-back had missed five of the last six league games before the New Year due to a calf injury before returning to action against Fulham. His return to fitness meant he was called-up to the Japan national team for theAFC Asian Cup in Qatar.
Japan, one of the favourites to win the tournament, had started their group campaign with a 4-2 win over Vietnam but any hopes of progressing to the knockout stages hang in the balance after a surprise 2-1 defeat to Iraq on Friday.
Tomiyasu, who had missed the opening group game, came off the bench at half-time for Hajime Moriyasu's side. The Arsenal star wasn't able to help Japan turn the game around, meaning they must not lose to Indonesia next Wednesday to avoid an early exit.
Should Japan crash out of the Asian Cup early, Arsenal could expect to welcome Tomiyasu back to action for the visit of Premier League league leaders Liverpool. The game takes place on Sunday, February 4 (4.30pm) meaning Tomiyasu will have 11 days to return to north London.
His return will come as a much-needed boost for Mikel Arteta following news of Oleksandr Zinchenko's recent injury. The left-back is expected to miss Saturday's game with Crystal Palace, football.london understands, and the Gunners boss refused to comment on his fitness.
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