Arsenal reveal if Tomiyasu will be fit to face Manchester United

Arsenal left Stamford Bridge with three valuable and well deserved points in the top four run in, but did so with an unorthodox lineup that few could have predicted just a few weeks ago.

If told that Mikel Arteta’s side would leave west London with a 4-2 win from a team featuring Mohamed Elneny, Eddie Nketiah, Rob Holding and Benjamin White at right-back, most would have laughed.

Remarkably, which is to the players’ and the manager’s credit, it worked.

With Manchester United up next on the fixture list it remains to be seen whether or not Arteta sticks with a winning formula or make attacking changes to suit the home advantage and United’s frailties. Cedric Soares could return to right-back and Sambi may come into midfield, although news on Takehiro Tomiyasu’s progress could impact that.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta reveals if Takehiro Tomiyasu will be fit to face Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday

Back in training in the days building up to Chelsea, the 23-year-old hasn’t kicked a ball since the 0-0 draw with Burnley at the end of January having been sidelined with niggling calf problems. Suffering an injury in one calf, when he recovered he then befell the same fate in his opposite leg, keeping him out of action for a considerable length of time.

As a stabalising figure in this team, his presence has been missed. Cedric, and most recently White, have filled in well but there is no denying Tomiyasu’s superiority as a right-back.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s visit of Manchester United, Arteta revealed the situation with the Japanese defender is edging ever closer to a welcome conclusion.

"“If he trains today and feels good, he will be available tomorrow,” Arteta said."

Chasing the top four with two key injuries already in Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney, the sooner Arsenal get their key players back in the squad the better. Even those in the fringe have proven they have roles to play this season, and the defensive solidity of Tomiyasu would be a welcome return to the squad.

Even if he returns to the squad it’s unlikely he’ll start the match, but even a few minutes at the end would be huge for the team ahead of the final Premier League run-in.