Arsenal Releases Injured Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu Amid Frustration

LONDON, UK – Arsenal Football Club announced on Saturday, October 11, 2025, that it has terminated the contract of defender Takehiro Tomiyasu. The Japan international, who joined the club from Bologna in the summer of 2021, became a fan favorite due to his versatility and strong performances on the pitch.

Despite showing great potential, Tomiyasu’s career at Arsenal was marred by injuries. The 25-year-old defender was praised for his ability to play in various positions along the backline and his proficiency in one-on-one situations. However, a series of injuries significantly limited his appearances.

In the preseason of 2024, Tomiyasu suffered a knee injury that sidelined him for three months. Though he returned to the field in October, he injured the same knee again during his comeback match. Since then, Tomiyasu has been unable to play, making it over a year since he last featured for Arsenal.

Following the club’s decision to part ways, he has been a free agent, still recovering from his injuries. Tomiyasu expressed his longing to return to football through a heartfelt post on social media, saying, “I just want to come back soon! I want to play football! That’s all! I’ll do it,” alongside an image featuring training cones.

During his four seasons with Arsenal, Tomiyasu only played 84 matches across all competitions. His time with the club was significantly affected by eight different injuries, which caused him to miss a total of 101 games and 690 days on the sidelines.

The termination of Tomiyasu’s contract reflects the club’s challenges in managing player injuries and their impact on team performance. Fans and teammates alike hope he can regain his fitness and find a new opportunity, as many believe he has the talent to excel when healthy.