Mikel Arteta says ‘world-class’ Arsenal talent could now feature against Porto

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has suggested that Takehiro Tomiyasu could be in the matchday squad for the Gunners on Tuesday night.

The Arsenal boss, speaking to the Gunners media team, said he and his coaches are “hoping” that the 25-year-old will be involved against Porto.

Tomiyasu has been on the sidelines with a calf injury, and is yet to play for Arsenal this year, having also been away on Asian Cup duty.

However, the Japan international has been closing in on a return to action, and was spotted in training on Monday.

At his pre-match presser, Arteta said of Tomiyasu: “He did the first part [in training], Gabi didn’t, but that’s what we’re hoping for [Tomi to be involved].”

On Tuesday afternoon, football.london went on to report that the Gunners defender is expected to be in the matchday squad against Porto.

Arsenal boost as Takehiro Tomiyasu set to return to action

Arsenal have been in outstanding form of late and currently sit top of the Premier League table at the end of matchday 28.

The Gunners’ win over Brentford, combined with Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City, was enough to keep Arteta’s side ahead of the second-placed Reds on goal difference.

Arsenal will now look to get the better of Porto in their last-16 second leg at the Emirates, with the Gunners trailing 1-0 in the tie.

It remains to be seen whether the ‘world-class‘ Tomiyasu will start, as Arteta has Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior and Ben White all fit.

It’s a good job that the Gunners’ strength in depth is such that players coming back from injury don’t have to be thrown in at the deep end. Perhaps we’ll see Tomiyasu off the bench.

Having him available once again is certainly a big positive for Arsenal’s silverware hopes as the run-in edges ever closer.