Arsenal: 5 solutions to Kieran Tierney left-back problem

5. Takehiro Tomiyasu Comes in at Left-Back

Asking now, from a personal point of view, if this is an option then it’s the one that should be employed.

Arsenal need Takehiro Tomiyasu back more than ever. Among the countless options there are out there to try and solve this issue, none are as natural than having the Japan international switch sides.

Tierney has been less bombastic of late, acting more as a defensive complement to Martinelli than an attacking one. Allowing Arsenal to maintain defensive structure in build-up and transition, and keeping Cedric further up the pitch where he is less suspect, suits the system. Tomiyasu can do that.

When you have a player this two-footed it makes sense to cash in on that luxury. He plays left centre-back for his national side and never looks out of place. Arsenal also can’t afford to lose more presence in midfield, as while Granit Xhaka can progress from deep, his role in retaining possession and winning it back higher up the pitch has been key to the Gunners’ territorial control. Without Partey Arsenal can’t lose further central physicality.

Yet what is arguably most crucial is that it avoids Arsenal deviating from the blueprint that has got them into a top four conversation in the first place. Keep the 4-3-3, move Sambi into the No. 6 and get Xhaka being slightly more reserved against tougher opposition. Stick to the philosophy and Arteta’s principles.

All of which is fine in practice, but comes with one considerable caveat: Tomiyasu isn’t fit. Not only is he not fit, he hasn’t played since January. Despite his incredible determination it will take time for him to get back up to speed.

The unfortunate elephant in the room.