Samurai Blue defender Takehiro Tomiyasu could face a lengthy recovery from a calf injury, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated.
The Japanese footballer limped off late against Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend and did not travel with the Arsenal side that won 4-3 away to Luton in the English Premier League on Tuesday.
Initially upbeat after his side's comeback win at Kenilworth Road, Arteta was somber when asked about Tomiyasu at his post-match press conference.
"We had a scan and it's not good news," the Arsenal boss said. "He's got an injury in his calf and he's going to be out for a while."
The absence of the versatile defender comes as a blow to the Premier League leaders, who are dealing with a number of other injuries heading into a busy stretch of games toward the end of the year.
Tomiyasu had been on a strong run of form, starring in last week's 6-0 Champions League victory over French side Lens and providing an assist in the 2-1 win over Wolves before being substituted with the calf injury.
