‘World-class’ Arsenal star omitted from nation’s matchday squad due to fatigue

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Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has been called up by Japan for their World Cup qualifying double-header this month.

However, the Gunners ace did not make his nation’s matchday squad for their meeting with Myanmar on Thursday.

According to Japanese outlet Hochi News, the reason for Tomiyasu‘s absence was simply down to fatigue.

The Arsenal defender had been on a slightly different training schedule to the rest of the squad ahead of the game.

Tomiyasu was still in attendance at the game in Panasonic Stadium Suita, which saw Japan run out 5-0 winners.

As per a clip posted by TV Asahi Soccer on X, the Gunners star can be seen speaking with their head coach ahead of the match.

Great to see Japan resting Tomiyasu – TBR View

The international break is a source of much anxiety for fans of teams that have plenty of international-level players.

There’s always the risk of injury, suspension and fatigue when players travel long distances and put their bodies on the line for their nation.

Obviously there was a gulf in quality between Japan and Myanmar, so the Samurai Blue could afford to rest some of their top stars.

Nonetheless, in this instance, it’s good to hear that Japan rested Tomiyasu. They could well have just opted to play him anyway, but instead they chose to rest him.

The 23-year-old is a ‘world-class‘ player who has a lot to offer both Arsenal and Japan. However, no player is immune to the wear and tear of workload.

Tomiyasu has also done very well to get himself back into regular starting contention at the Emirates Stadium after falling behind Oleksandr Zinchenko in the pecking order.

Japan are next in World Cup qualifying action against Syria on Tuesday, playing at the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.