Arsenal
The Injury Nightmare That Destroyed Takehiro Tomiyasu’s Arsenal Dream
A Promising Start Cut Short by Physical Breakdowns
Arsenal have reached a mutual agreement with Takehiro Tomiyasu to end his contract with immediate effect, bringing an end to what should have been a successful four-year stint at the Emirates. The 26-year-old defender’s departure tells the story of unfulfilled potential, with 465 days out of action since joining the club in the summer of 2021 due to persistent injury problems.
The Japanese international joined Arsenal in 2021 and played just six minutes of football in the 2024/25 season after undergoing knee surgery last summer. His injury-ravaged tenure at Arsenal serves as a cautionary tale about the physical demands of Premier League football and the cruel reality that talent alone isn’t enough to succeed at the highest level.
Read More: RIP Diogo Jota: The Eternal Hero The Emirates Dreaded
The Complete Injury Timeline: A Four-Year Struggle
2021-22 Season: Early Warning Signs
Tomiyasu’s debut season at Arsenal started promisingly, but he missed much of the second half of his debut season (21/22) with calf problems. These initial muscular issues would prove to be a recurring theme throughout his Arsenal career, setting the tone for the struggles that would follow.
The Japanese defender’s versatility initially made him valuable to Mikel Arteta’s system, capable of playing both right-back and centre-back positions. However, his body couldn’t handle the physical demands of Premier League football consistently.
Read More: From Glory to Grief: The Final Months of Diogo Jota
2022-23 Season: The First Major Setback
The second season brought more serious concerns as he underwent knee surgery in March 2023, which kept him out for over three months, along with other muscular problems. This marked the beginning of a pattern where Tomiyasu would show promise during his return phases, only to suffer another breakdown.
The knee surgery was particularly concerning as it represented a more serious structural problem rather than the muscular issues that had plagued his first season. It suggested that his injury problems were becoming more complex and potentially career-threatening.
2023-24 Season: Calf Problems Return
He missed 13 games due to a calf injury last season, continuing the pattern of muscular problems that had defined his Arsenal career. He suffered two separate calf injuries that sidelined him for a combined 71 days, leading to 13 games missed.
The recurring nature of these calf problems indicated that despite Arsenal’s medical team’s best efforts, they couldn’t solve the underlying issues causing these repeated breakdowns. His total of 210 days missed across just the last two seasons underscores the severity of the situation.
2024-25 Season: The Final Breakdown
The final season proved to be the most challenging yet. He briefly returned from a long-standing knee complaint against Southampton in October and hasn’t been seen since. The start of the 2024–25 season saw Tomiyasu out with a knee injury, which he sustained during Arsenal’s pre–season tour.
As a result of his ongoing injury issues, with a further operation required in February 2025, Arsenal and Tomiyasu mutually agreed to terminate his contract in July 2025. This second knee surgery effectively ended his Arsenal career, with Arsenal confirming that defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has had knee surgery and won’t return until the end of 2025.
The Toll of Injuries: By the Numbers
The statistics paint a stark picture of Tomiyasu’s injury-plagued tenure. The 26-year-old defender made 84 appearances in all competitions during his time with the club, which across four seasons represents a concerning availability rate.
The decision to part ways was made amicably, with Arsenal keen to manage their wage structure while allowing Tomiyasu the opportunity to assess his next career move.
His story at Arsenal ends not with glory, but with the sobering reality that sometimes, despite everyone’s best efforts, the body simply cannot cope with the demands of elite football.
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Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday in what could prove decisive for the Gunners’ Premier League title ambitions. Arsenal sit top of the table with 61 points from 28 matches, five points clear of Manchester City, who still have a game in hand, while Chelsea occupy 7th with 45 points after being held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
This represents a huge opportunity for Mikel Arteta’s side to put further distance between themselves and the chasing pack before facing Brighton away on Wednesday. Chelsea arrive at the Emirates in patchy form under Liam Rosenior, who has won just two of his eight league matches since replacing Enzo Maresca in January despite an encouraging start to his tenure.
Kick-off: 4:30 GMT, Sunday, March 1, 2026
Venue: Emirates Stadium
TV: Sky Sports
Kai Havertz Returns to Haunt Former Club
Mikel Arteta confirmed on Friday that Kai Havertz will train on Saturday ahead of the Chelsea clash, giving the German a chance to feature against his former employers. Havertz has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since early February, but scored the winner in Arsenal’s 1-0 Carabao Cup semi final victory over Chelsea earlier this month.
The 26 year old has endured a nightmare campaign with injuries limiting him to just 158 Premier League minutes this season, though he has still managed two goals and two assists when available. Viktor Gyokeres has flourished in Havertz’s absence, scoring twice in the 4-1 North London Derby demolition of Tottenham last weekend.
Rosenior Yet to Face Top Six Opposition
Liam Rosenior faces his first test against a top six side in the league since taking charge of Chelsea, having only faced teams sitting 7th or lower during his opening eight matches. His winning run needs proper context, given the quality of opposition, with recent dropped points against Leeds and Burnley at Stamford Bridge exposing serious vulnerabilities.
Arteta has beaten Rosenior twice already this season in the two legged Carabao Cup semi final, and the Spanish manager will fancy his chances of completing a treble over the Chelsea boss. Bukayo Saka should be fit despite limping off late against Spurs, while Ben White remains doubtful with a niggle.
Predicted Lineups: Arsenal (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
Also read: Kai Havertz Injury Update: Real Timeline and Medical Details Revealed!
Arsenal Dragon
Update Given Following Arsenal Injury Scare as Olivia Smith Discharged From Hospital After Being Stretchered Off During FA Cup Win Over Bristol City
Arsenal star Olivia Smith has been discharged from hospital after being stretchered off the field during their Women’s FA Cup game against Bristol City. The forward, who joined the Gunners in the summer, played just under an hour before being forced off with pictures showing a neck brace around the 21 year old at Meadow Park.
This was a worrying moment for Arsenal supporters watching on Sunday afternoon. The Canadian international went down, receiving lengthy treatment before being taken off on a stretcher as a precaution. Thankfully, the injury appears to be far less serious than initially feared.
Left Hospital Yesterday Evening
According to Arsenal reporter Tim Stillman, Olivia Smith left the hospital yesterday evening after tests were run and will return to be assessed this week ahead of the March international break. This is brilliant news for Arsenal, who cannot afford to lose Smith for any length of time, given her importance to the team.
It is believed that her involvement with Canada is still up in the air, with the Canucks facing a triple header of friendlies against Colombia, Argentina, and the United States over the coming two weeks. Arsenal’s next match sees them face London City Lionesses in mid March.
Big Boost for Champions League Hopes
With no video available for Arsenal’s cup game against Bristol City, there was huge concern surrounding Smith’s condition for those unable to attend the game at Meadow Park. Thankfully, what seemed initially to be a severe injury has turned out to be a fairly minor incident.
While Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo are both more than capable options to lead the line, it has been Smith who has been Renee Slegers’ favoured choice and proven to be a brilliant signing since her arrival from Liverpool. Having Smith likely available for both legs of the Chelsea Champions League quarter final is a massive boost for Arsenal’s hopes of retaining their European crown.
Arsenal
Arsenal Star Named WSL Player of the Month for January as Midfielder Continues Outstanding Form Following 400th Appearance Milestone
Kim Little has been named January’s Barclays Women’s Super League Player of the Month, recognition that follows her 400th appearance for Arsenal. The captain has made an outstanding start to 2026, completing every minute in the WSL and helping secure two clean sheets and four points from fixtures against Manchester United and Chelsea.
Little drove the midfield against United in the 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium and was again pivotal in the disciplined defensive display at Stamford Bridge that delivered that historic 2-0 win over the Blues. This is absolutely deserved recognition for one of Arsenal’s most influential players, who continues to perform at the highest level despite being 35 years old.
400th Appearance Came in Belgium
Little’s landmark 400th appearance came in Belgium as Arsenal won 4-0 at OH Leuven to close in on a Champions League London derby with Chelsea. The Scottish playmaker came on as a second half substitute in the 82nd minute, replacing Olivia Smith, to reach 400 appearances.
This achievement is even more notable given the time she spent playing in the USA and Australia during her career. Little has become one of the defining figures of the modern Arsenal era, establishing herself as an absolute legend at the club.
Chelsea Awaits in Champions League Quarterfinals
Provided nothing dramatic unfolds at Meadow Park next week, Chelsea awaits in the quarterfinals of the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Arsenal hold a commanding 4-0 advantage from the first leg and are overwhelming favorites to progress to a mouth watering London derby in the last eight.
Little will be central to Arsenal’s hopes of defending their Champions League crown, with the midfielder’s experience and leadership qualities proving invaluable during the knockout stages of major competitions. Her consistent performances continue to set the standard for everyone around her.
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