The Daily Mail reports that Tomiyasu may miss the Christmas period, meaning he’ll be absent from some vital fixtures for the Gunners. They travel to Aston Villa on Saturday and also have games against Brighton & Hove Albion, Liverpool, and West Ham United. Tomiyasu limped off in Arsenal’s 2-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers last Saturday, and sat out Mikel Arteta’s side’s remarkable 4-3 victory over Luton Town last night. Tomiyasu may not play for Arsenal before the Asia Cup, which starts on January 12; he’s set to head to that international tournament with Japan. The Gunners have welcomed back Ben White to their side, and the English defender will be tasked with helping aid the situation. He featured in his side’s win away at Luton. Arteta’s men opened up a five-point lead over second-placed Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table, but they will have to tackle the festive period without their versatile defender. Tomiyasu has been in fine form this season, scoring one goal and providing three assists in 19 games across competitions. Declan Rice came to the fore for the Gunners at Kenilworth Road, scoring a 90+7th minute winner. The English midfielder rose highest to head home Martin Odegaard’s cross to seal a dramatic 4-3 win. It was harsh on Luton, given they defended well but couldn’t take anything from the game. Rice proved to be the matchwinner, and the Hatters’ boss Rob Edwards couldn’t deny the England international talents with three goals and two assists in 22 games across competitions.
