Arsenal have huge fitness concern ahead of facing Wolves

Having got themselves knocked out of the FA Cup at the third round stage, supporters have had to wait additionally long to see Arsenal in action.

A Dubai training camp providing enjoyable training videos and smiles in the sun, but as the oldest cup competition in the world takes place on the weekend, all that is left to do is twiddle thumbs.

While there is a behind-closed-doors friendly with Reading taking place, everyone is anxiously waiting for February 10 when the Gunners travel to Molineux for a huge clash with Wolves.

Sitting just two points behind Mikel Arteta’s side in the table, they have to be considered in the top four hunt on account of their efficiency and outstanding defensive record. Equally, if they secure the three points on Thursday, then they overtake Arsenal in the table.

Arsenal have huge concern ahead of facing Wolves with Takehiro Tomiyasu still not recovered from a calf injury in time to face Reading

With the squad being reduced down to just 21 players – including three goalkeepers – there is little margin for error. Of course, that relates to injuries, and the club are still anxiously sweating on the fitness of Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Worryingly not involved in any training sessions over in Dubai as he recovers from a calf injury, Charles Watts also confirmed he will not be involved against Reading. In such a thin squad where one or two injuries could prove fatal, right-back ranks high on the list of important areas.

Cedric Soares simply is not Tomiyasu, not even close. The drop off is stark. Dramatic, in fact.

Tomiyasu is the stabaliser in the team. He offers the platform for Benjamin White to be more expressive, practically performs the role of two players in defence, and offers variation in build-up with his two-footedness.

Importantly when coming up against Wolves is that he’s also devastating in the air. In Ruben Neves Wolves have one of the finest switchers of play in the division, and someone of Tomiyasu’s aerial dominance will help nullify that avenue down his side. It goes without saying that Cedric does not offer that stability.

After the 0-0 draw with Burnley Arteta said that Tomiyasu would be out for a ‘couple of weeks’. If that timeline is accurate then the time before the Wolves game should be adequate to see him recover, but his non-presence anywhere in training photos and in the friendly game are a huge concern.

For the whole season, not just for Wolves. It’s an anxious wait to see whether he has aggravated the issue further or is on the right path.