What Takehiro Tomiyasu did in training to show Mikel Arteta he's ready for Arsenal injury return

Takehiro Tomiyasu has handed Mikel Arteta yet another Arsenal injury boost ahead of the Champions League clash against Porto. The Japan international has become the latest player to return to training, following in the footsteps of Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jurrien Timber.

With all four recent returners being plagued by injuries this season, Arteta has carefully brought them back into the fold with just 83 minutes handed out to the quartet over the last few games. Given the severity of Timber's knee injury, suffered back in August on his Premier League debut, the Netherlands international has not featured yet despite partaking in a number of training sessions.

Timber playing again this season, after looking unlikely, now appears a certainty with Arteta left very impressed by how he has responded to the injury. «Absolutely, it’s been a joy,» Arteta said when asked about Timber's recovery in February. «The physios and medical staff have been impressed with his attitude. Now we have to manage because it’s the last stage of that difficult injury but I think he’s in the right way.»

For the Champions League clash against Porto, Timber returning is not seen as likely however another defender in Tomiyasu could feature for the first time in over two months. «Not many updates,» Arteta admitted when asked for the latest injury news.

«We still have 24 hours and we’re trying to have everyone fit for tomorrow. Tomi did the first part, Gabi didn’t. We’re hoping to have them available.» Martinelli picked up an impact injury in the 6-0 demolition of Sheffield United last Monday which saw him miss the win against Brentford.

Tomiyasu meanwhile, returned to training for Arsenal's open session at London Colney with it