Takehiro Tomiyasu spotted at Arsenal as Mikel Arteta prepares to welcome back defender

Tuchel on Timo Werner

Mikel Arteta reacts after Arsenal's shock defeat to Brighton

Mikel Arteta explains his decision to play Granit Xhaka at left-back against Brighton

Mikel Arteta quizzed on Arsenal's lack of cutting edge in front of goal

Southampton 0-6 Chelsea in pictures

Aston Villa 0-4 Tottenham in pictures

Mikel Arteta left frustrated by VAR following Gabriel Martinelli's disallowed goal

ØDegaard Over Maddison

Tuchel says his 'message was clear' to the players

The loss of Takehiro Tomiyasu in the Arsenal side did not initially look to be a huge blow. The deputising Cedric Soares has performed well, however, the injury to Kieran Tierney has disrupted everything.

Tierney was tasked by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta to play a more reserved defensive role with Tomiyasu out, who typically operated in this way himself. This allowed Cedric to become the more forward-thinking full-back.

However, with Tierney out, the defence has looked far more vulnerable. Both Nuno Tavares and Granit Xhaka who have played in the Scotsman’s stead have been exposed and goals conceded because of their positional errors.

Tomiyasu’s injury has frustrated fans because of Mikel Arteta’s description of his recovery. His answers have continued to tease fans of his imminent return only to then find out he will return to full training after the Southampton game next Saturday with no guarantee he will make the Chelsea clash.

“I think it will be close. He’s been training more and more. He has the boys back now, so he will be joining some sessions this week, and let’s see how it is,” said Arteta ahead of the match with Crystal Palace. It is these types of comments which have frustrated supporters.

However, the 23-year-old was spotted at the game on