Arsenal have been dealt a blow in the shape of Takehiro Tomiyasu’s season-ending injury.
The Gunners defender has undergone knee surgery after over-extending in a challenge against Sporting CP last week.
Tomiyasu was pictured leaving the Emirates Stadium on crutches and missed the 4-1 hammering of Crystal Palace.
An Arsenal statement read: “Tomi has had successful surgery in London on Tuesday and will be ruled out for the remainder of this season.
“Everyone at the club will now be working hard with Tomi, so he can join pre-season training ahead of next season.”
In terms of strength in depth, it’s a big blow for Arsenal and for Mikel Arteta.
However, the Gunners boss does have a replacement at hand to cover for Ben White.
Thomas Partey moved to right-back against Palace after Arteta took White off.
The Ghana international has previous in playing in defence.
At Atletico Madrid, Partey played 11 times at right-back, including against Arsenal themselves.
He impressed against Arsene Wenger’s side en route to a 1-0 win in their Europa League semi-final second leg.
Although Partey would be missed in midfield, Jorginho has shown he can deputise fairly well in the same position.
A HOST OF OPTIONS
There’s also William Saliba to think about.
If he was also out long-term, White could replace him at centre-back, Partey could play at right-back and Jorginho would slot in midfield.
Credit to Arteta for thinking all this out and bringing Jorginho in during the January transfer window to allow for such options.
It’s also great to see Partey – who Yaya Toure has deemed “just unbelievable” – having more strings to his bow.
