Heartbreak for Arsenal! Star Defender Ruled Out for the Season

Arsenal will be without defender Takehiro Tomiyasu for the rest of the season after the Japan international underwent surgery on his knee.

Tomiyasu has struggled for game time in the 2024/25 campaign, with a knee injury sustained during pre-season playing a significant role. Having played just six minutes of football this season, he will now have to stay off the pitch for the entire campaign.

Despite recovering sufficiently to make a brief substitute appearance against Southampton in October, Tomiyasu was sidelined again. He has now confirmed that he has undergone another procedure, which is hoped to finally address the issue, having previously undergone surgery in 2023.

Takehiro Tomiyasu  during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Southampton FC. (Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)

“I had surgery on my knee a few days ago and have already started my rehab to return to doing what I love the most,” he wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo showing him on crutches with his right knee strapped up and supported by a plastic brace.

“This has been the toughest period of my career so far, and it continues a bit longer, but I won’t give up. Thank you for your support, and see you again soon.”

Arsenal have been hindered by injuries this season, with Tomiyasu’s absence compounded by Ben White’s injury at right-back. The surgery for the 26-year-old comes shortly after Kai Havertz was also ruled out for the rest of the season with a hamstring injury requiring surgery.

Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, and Gabriel Martinelli are also sidelined. As a result, Mikel Arteta was forced to deploy a false nine in Arsenal’s last game against Leicester City, with Mikel Merino stepping in.

Tomiyasu joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2021; however, he has struggled with recurring injuries. The Japan international has made 84 appearances for the Gunners but has missed 82 matches due to injuries, according to Transfermarkt.

The Japanese defender remains under contract with Arsenal until June 2026, with the club holding the option to extend his deal by another year.