Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu ruled out for rest of season

Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

While Tomiyasu has not always been preferred by Mikel Arteta, the right-back was handed an opportunity in last Thursday's Europa League fixture against Sporting Lisbon.

However, the Japan international needed to be withdrawn as early as the ninth minute after sustaining an issue with his knee.

After the game, Arteta suggested that he was pessimistic over the injury, telling the club's media: "Tomiyasu looks pretty serious, for his reaction straight away and what he said to me. Obviously, it's very early and difficult to know."

As expected, Tomiyasu was absent from the 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Sunday, but Arsenal have now moved to acknowledge that the 24-year-old will miss the rest of the season.

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A club statement read: "Following his substitution during last Thursday's Europa League match, subsequent assessments have confirmed that Takehiro Tomiyasu sustained a significant injury to his right knee.

"Tomi has had successful surgery in London on Tuesday and will be ruled out for the remainder of this season.

"Everyone at the club will now be working hard with Tomi, so he can join pre-season training ahead of next season."

Tomiyasu ends his season with 13 starts and 18 substitute outings in all competitions, with eight of those appearances coming in the Europa League.

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The former Bologna man has struggled for regular action in the Premier League, with just six of his 21 outings coming from the starting lineup.

Nevertheless, he has played his part in the top flight, most notably being introduced as a half-time substitute versus Manchester United in January and helping the Gunners run out 3-2 victors.

While Ben White remains the undisputed first choice at right-back, Rob Holding and Thomas Partey may now be regarded as backups should they be required.

Cedric Soares - the previous third choice in that position - was allowed to join Fulham on loan in January.