Takehiro Tomiyasu Arsenal return timeline explained as absence confirmed amid Liverpool wait
Japan booked their place in the Asia Cup last-16 with their 3-1 win over Indonesia yesterday and Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu made his first start of the tournament having missed the opening game and coming on as a substitute against Iraq following fitness concerns. The victory is good news for Tomiyasu and Japan although Arsenal will of course be without their key man for an extended period now.
It will not come as a surprise however as Japan were certainly one of the favourites for the competition and could go far. The final takes place in more than a fortnight’s time on February 10 and so Mikel Arteta will have to make do without the former Bologna man for some time still.
That said, if Japan were to be eliminated sooner, he could be back very swiftly. For example, whilst the Asia Cup goes on, the Africa Cup of Nations is also taking place and there have already been some shock departures such as Ghana who were eliminated following a dramatic 2-2 draw with Mozambique following two goals conceded beyond the 90th minute.
Inaki Williams came on as a substitute during the game played on January 22 but following elimination flew straight back to Spain and came on as a substitute for his club side Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey quarter-final to score in extra time and subsequently knock out Barcelona following a fourth goal for his side on the night from his brother Nico Williams.
The game was played just two days after Williams lost in the AFCON group stage. Therefore, Tomiyasu could feasibly be back to play too within a couple of days of being knocked out with Japan in any of the next stages.
The last-16 clash which is yet to be determined is being played on Wednesday, January 31 meaning that Tomiyasu will certainly
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