Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has confirmed that he has undergone surgery on a knee injury as he reflected on the "toughest period" of his career.
The Japan international has played just six minutes in the 2024-25 campaign due to a pair of knee problems, the first of which rendered him unavailable from the start of the season until early October.
Tomiyasu made a brief appearance off the bench in a 3-1 home win over Southampton four months ago, but the versatile defender then immediately re-entered the treatment room with another knee issue.
Mikel Arteta could not say when Tomiyasu would be back at first, and the 26-year-old was also granted permission to spend some time away from London Colney to improve his physical and mental state.
Following reports last week stating that Tomiyasu might have to go under the knife, the former Bologna man announced on Tuesday evening that he had undergone a successful procedure on his right knee.
Arsenal's Tomiyasu opens up on "toughest period" of his career
© Imago
Tomiyasu shared a post-operation photo on Instagram, where he gave a thumbs-up and a wry smile with his knee in a protective brace, and he admitted that the last few months have been the most difficult of his footballing journey so far.
"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," the Arsenal defender wrote.
"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."
Tomiyasu - who is expected to miss the remainder of the season following his surgery - is one of five Arsenal players out of contention through injury alongside Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
Neither Havertz nor Jesus will return before the campaign is over, although Arsenal are reportedly optimistic that Martinelli and Saka will be back from their hamstring problems after the March international break.
Tomiyasu has registered two goals and six assists in 84 matches for Arsenal since joining in a £17m deal in 2021, but the defender has also missed 82 games for club and country through injury in that time.
What does the future hold for Tomiyasu?
One of the most luckless players in Arteta's ranks, Tomiyasu has been blighted by fitness problems throughout his Arsenal career, but there are few more adored players at the Emirates Stadium.
The Japan international has excelled as both a left-back and right-back, ending last season as Arsenal's first-choice in the latter position after being rewarded for his consistency with a new deal.
However, Tomiyasu's terms only run until 2026 with the option of a further 12 months, and as his knee injury is likely to scupper his chances of a summer move, Arsenal risk losing him for nothing next summer.
That is a loss that Arsenal should accept according to Gunners expert Charles Watts, who recently spoke to Sports Mole about why the club would be "pretty mad" to activate his one-year contract extension.
Ben Knapton
