Tomiyasu handed World Cup lifeline after injury-plagued spell away from Arsenal

TOKYO: Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has been handed a lifeline for the FIFA World Cup despite enduring a difficult period marred by injuries since departing Arsenal last July.

The 27-year-old, who left the North London club in the summer of 2024, has struggled significantly with fitness issues that have hampered his career in recent times. However, he has now been given an opportunity to revive his international prospects with a potential place in Japan's World Cup plans.

Injury struggles and Arsenal departure

Tomiyasu's time at Arsenal was increasingly defined by recurring injury problems that limited his availability for the Premier League side. The versatile defender, capable of operating at both centre-back and right-back, was unable to maintain consistent fitness during his latter years at the Emirates Stadium, which ultimately led to his departure from the club in July last year.

Since leaving Arsenal, the Japanese international has continued to battle fitness concerns, raising questions about his ability to compete at the highest level. His injury record had cast doubt over whether he would feature in Japan's plans for the upcoming World Cup.

World Cup opportunity

Despite these setbacks, Tomiyasu has now been presented with a chance to stake his claim for a spot in Japan's World Cup squad. The decision to keep the door open for the 27-year-old represents a significant boost for the defender, who will be looking to prove his fitness and form in the coming months.

Japan have been among the more impressive Asian footballing nations in recent World Cup cycles, and the inclusion of an experienced defender like Tomiyasu in their plans could add depth and versatility to their squad, provided he can overcome his fitness challenges.

The lifeline extended to Tomiyasu underscores the faith that the Japanese football setup continues to place in the defender's abilities, even as his career has been disrupted by physical setbacks. It remains to be seen whether the former Arsenal man can seize this opportunity and secure his place on the world stage once again.