The Gunners are back in form after their downturn. They’ve already won three games on the bounce, including a tremendously remarkable victory over Liverpool. Tomiyasu missed all of those fixtures while he was abroad on international service. Whenever he’s fit, Takehiro Tomiyasu is a highly vital player for Arsenal.

The Japan international returned from his injury in the defeat to Fulham on New Year’s Eve. He has since been at the Asian Cup, where he helped his side get as far as the quarterfinal.

Sadly, Japan were knocked out by Iran, and Tomiyasu has come back to North London ahead of the game against West Ham United this Saturday.

The ‘world-class‘ 25-year-old’s comeback is a major boost for Arsenal, as Oleksandr Zinchenko suffered a calf injury in the game against Liverpool last Sunday.

The severity of the Ukraine international’s injury is unclear at this moment, but the fact that he had to come off at halftime means he is a doubt for the next game.

Jakub Kiwior did well against Liverpool, but if Tomiyasu is ready, we expect Mikel Arteta to use him for the first time this year against West Ham on Sunday.

Oleksandr Zinchenko’s value to Arsenal cannot be underestimated, although it has to be acknowledged that Takehiro Tomiyasu offers better balance to Mikel Arteta when he plays at left-back.

The Japan international is considerably stronger in defence when compared to Zinchenko. He’s terrific in the air as well, and although he’s not quite on the same level in possession, he does a very nice job when he inverts.

West Ham have already wounded Arsenal this season—twice. Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus are both dangerous players, and the Gunners need to be careful with counter-attacks. Tomiyasu’s comeback will surely make them stronger in that department.