Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu will miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery on his right knee.
Tomiyasu has found playing time difficult this season due to the niggling knee problem, which has seen him make only one appearance, as a substitute in a Premier League win over Southampton in October.
The 26-year-old initially suffered the injury in pre-season and underwent surgery in August, but persistent problems in the knee has forced him to have further surgery.
“I’ve had a surgery on my knee few days ago and I’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again.” Tomiyasu wrote on Instagram.
“It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a bit more but I won’t give up.
“Thank you for your support and see you soon at the stadium.”
A statement from Arsenal revealed that the defender has started his “recovery and rehabilitation programme” and is expected to return “towards the end of the year”.
Tomiyasu joins Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus on Arsenal’s list of players who will miss the remainder of the season.
The Japan international joined Arsenal from Bologna in 2021 and has played 84 times for the Gunners, who are seven points behind leaders Liverpool in the Premier League standings.
Arsenal will play host to 16th-placed West Ham at Emirates Stadium in the league on Saturday.
