Arsenal issue worrying Tomiyasu fitness update vs Watford

Arsenal are back in action on Sunday as they travel to Vicarage Road to face struggling Watford, in a game that they head into as outstanding favourites to win as they keep pushing for a top four spot.

Roy Hodgson has so far been unable to turn around the Hornets’ miserable Premier League form, collecting just five points from his first six games in charge and scoring just two goals in the process, although they did secure a point against Manchester United last time out.

Considering only Leeds have conceded more than their 55 goals this season, the focus will predominantly be on Arsenal’s attacking players to deliver. On top of their atrocious defensive record, they’ve also conceded a league-high 31 goals at home.

However, fans are still pining for the return of Takehiro Tomiyasu to the side.

Arsenal issue crucial Takehiro Tomiyasu fitness update ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash away at Watford

The right-back has missed the last three Premier League matches, an absence that fortunately hasn’t been keenly felt with Cedric Soares filling in admirably during that time. The Portuguese international deserves credit for his role in the nine points secured from nine available across February.

Returning from a calf injury to take his place on the bench in the 2-1 win over Brentford, Tomiyasu then suffered a similar injury on his other leg, ruling him out of the dramatic 2-1 victory over Wolves last time out.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s game, Arteta provided an update on the 23-year-old’s progress.

"“Same place as last week, we still have a doubt over Tomiyasu,” he said. “The rest, I think they are all in a good place.”"

Having not been pictured in training in the build up to the match, news of Tomiyasu being unavailable doesn’t come as a huge shock. It’s nonetheless a worrying situation, with these calf issues a recurring theme since mid-December.

Cedric’s impressive performances when filling in, the like few supporters expected to see, have softened the blow.

But with three matches in the space of six days coming up in March – against Leicester, Liverpool and Aston Villa – Arteta will need all the players he can get, especially those with the defensive assurances that Tomiyasu offers.