ARSENAL defender Takehiro Tomiyasu could make his first Premier League appearance since New Year’s Day against Liverpool on Wednesday. The Japanese right-back has missed the last six top-flight matches since the 2-1 defeat against the Citizens at the start of the year. A calf injury has kept the 23-year-old on the sidelines with Cedric Soares […]
ARSENAL defender Takehiro Tomiyasu could make his first Premier League appearance since New Year’s Day against Liverpool on Wednesday.
The Japanese right-back has missed the last six top-flight matches since the 2-1 defeat against the Citizens at the start of the year.
A calf injury has kept the 23-year-old on the sidelines with Cedric Soares deputising in his absence.
Tomiyasu had returned to full training last month, but he suffered a second calf strain the following week.
However he is now finally in contention to return to action, though Mikel Arteta has stressed the club have to be careful with him.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, he said: “Tomi is the only one that’s still there in contention [to miss the game].
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“We have been trying to push him, but with the handbrake a little bit because we need to be careful as we don’t want to get another injury with him.
“We don’t know [if tomorrow is too soon]. Let’s see how he trains today.”
Here SunSport takes a look at how Arsenal could start against the Reds at the Emirates.
Goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale will certainly keep his place between the sticks having established himself as the No1 after three Premier League games.
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Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers labelled Ramsdale as England’s best goalkeeper over the weekend after he kept out Harvey Barnes’ header in spectacular fashion.
Should Tomiyasu be passed fit enough to start, he will slot in at right-back with Euro 2016 winner Cedric dropped to the bench.
Scottish left-back Kieran Tierney will feature on the opposite side, with Ben White to once again partner Gabriel in the heart of defence.
Thomas Partey will be deployed as the defensive midfielder, with Granit Xhaka back in as a No8 and Martin Odegaard in the No10 role.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has praised Arsenal’s new-look midfielder set-up, though he has declared that Jurgen Klopp’s men could exploit it.
Bukayo Saka is likely to keep his place on the right wing, with Gabriel Martinelli to once again start ahead of Emile Smith Rowe.
And French striker Alexandre Lacazette will be tasked with leading the line in favour of Eddie Nketiah.
