After Sunday’s emphatic 4-0 win over Chelsea, the Arsenal players have now travelled back to London.
Earlier today, the first-team were photographed at London Colney as they continue their preparations for the Premier League curtain-raiser against Crystal Palace on Friday 5th August.
Interestingly, one thing was spotted which should delight Arsenal supporters.
What’s the story?
Well, in the background of a picture of Eddie Nketiah jogging, the head of Takehiro Tomiyasu could be seen.
The Japan international travelled to the United States with the first-team, but sat on the sidelines as the Gunners took on Everton, Orlando City and Chelsea during the pre-season tour.
Tomiyasu has been missing due to rumoured muscular pain, but now, he looks to have shaken those issues off.
Arsenal fans will surely be pleased by this sight, as Mikel Arteta isn’t blessed with many options at right-back.
Cedric is an option, while Ben White was used at right-back in the 4-0 win over Chelsea.
However, Tomiyasu is Arteta’s best natural fit for the role, so the Spaniard will hope that his No.18 can now remain injury free and build up his fitness.
Arsenal must manage Takehiro Tomiyasu carefully
In our view, Arteta must ensure he rotates Tomiyasu regularly next season.
When the domestic cup competitions and the Europa League get underway, Arsenal must call upon Cedric or a prospect from Hale End to deputise at right-back, as the Japanese defender is clearly quite prone to injuries.
Either that, or Arteta uses White at right-back more regularly as a result of William Saliba returning to the Emirates Stadium, following a string of loan spells at Saint-Etienne, OGC Nice and Marseille.
Thankfully, Tomiyasu himself thinks he’ll be “stronger” next season after a “tough” debut campaign, in which he managed to make 21 appearances in the Premier League.
Hopefully, that proves to be the case for the talented 23-year-old.
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