Mikel Arteta calls up 18-year-old Arsenal defender to first-team training after Tomiyasu injury blow

Add as preferred source on Google

Reuell Walters has been spotted in Arsenal’s first-team training today after it was confirmed this week that Takehiro Tomiyasu has suffered an injury.

The Gunners are on top of the Premier League table right now after a great start to the season. Tomiyasu’s injury is a huge blow and has dampened the mood around the club, but Mikel Arteta has a versatile young defender in the academy who can step up if required – Walters.

Reuell Walters spotted in Arsenal training ahead of Aston Villa clash

Arsenal were dealt a massive blow this week after Mikel Arteta confirmed that Takehiro Tomiyasu will be out for a while due to a calf injury.

The Japan international has been fantastic for the Gunners in recent weeks. He has been one of their best players, and it’s such a shame that he has suffered another fitness issue.

‘I’m sick of being injured,” he wrote on Instagram, which is just heartbreaking as every time Tomiyasu seems to pick some momentum, he breaks down.

Arsenal have Ben White to play at right-back until Tomiyasu is back, and the Englishman is one of the best defenders in the Premier League. Arsenal have nothing to worry about as a result.

However, as White’s backup now, Cedric Soares is the Gunners’ only experienced option. The alternative is young Reuell Walters, who is one of the most exciting young talents in Arsenal’s academy right now.

Arteta has called him up to first-team training today ahead of the game against Aston Villa tomorrow. He was spotted on the winning side along with Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale and Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal’s Reuell Walters is a future star

The biggest reason why Takehiro Tomiyasu is such a big asset for Arsenal is his versatility.

The Japan international can play anywhere across the back line and also in defensive midfield if required. That is such a great quality to have, and luckily for Arsenal, they have a youngster just like him.

18-year-old Reuell Walters can play across the backline too for Arsenal. He is a fantastic young player with a massive future ahead of him, and it’s only a matter of time before he gets a chance in the first team.

With Tomiysu ruled out, we won’t be surprised to see Walters get a spot on the bench against Aston Villa tomorrow.