Massive blow as Arsenal confirm 26yo injured, out until end of 2025 | OneFootball

Takehiro Tomiyasu has confirmed he has undergone knee surgery, with Arsenal stating that he won’t be back until the end of the year.

The Arsenal defender now faces another long rehabilitation period after multiple setbacks.

Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Takehiro Tomiyasu has confirmed that he has undergone surgery on a persistent knee injury, with Arsenal confirming the news on Wednesday afternoon.

The Japan international, who has struggled with recurring knee issues since pre-season, now faces another lengthy rehabilitation process. Arsenal wrote, “Tomi will now begin his recovery and rehabilitation programme, which is expected to be completed towards the end of this year.”

In a message to supporters on Instagram, Tomiyasu first addressed his fans in Japanese, writing: “I’m late in reporting this, but I had surgery on my right knee a few days ago and have already started rehabilitation in order to return! I’m sorry that I haven’t been able to tell all my fans and supporters about my condition over the past six months.”

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He continued: “There’s a lot I want to say, but right now, I just want to remember that there are people who are waiting for me, and that I want to return to the pitch and give back to them on the pitch. With these things in mind, I will work towards my return!! See you again at the stadium!”

He then posted in English: “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. 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 again.”

Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images

The news is a significant setback for Mikel Arteta, who had previously expressed hope that Tomiyasu might return before the end of the season.

The 26-year-old managed just six minutes of football this campaign, featuring briefly against Southampton in October before suffering an immediate relapse. His continued absence means Arsenal will be without a player who provides versatility across the defensive line at a crucial stage of the season.

Tomiyasu now joins a growing list of Arsenal players who have undergone surgery in recent weeks, alongside Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Reiss Nelson (currently on loan at Fulham).

Photo via Nelson on Instagram

Ben White, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli are among those recovering from their own fitness concerns, though unlike Tomiyasu, they were able to travel with the squad to Dubai for a warm-weather training camp. White returned to the Arsenal squad against Leicester for the first time since November but Saka and Martinelli are not expected back until the start of April.

With Arsenal battling on multiple fronts, including a Premier League title challenge and a Champions League campaign, Tomiyasu’s absence is a blow to Arteta’s defensive depth.