After an extended absence due to ιnjury, Takehiro Tomiyasu has returned to Arsenal training in a rather peculiar manner. The 25-year-old defender, who has been sidelined for most of the past three months, has yet to make an appearance for the club in 2024, including his absence during the Asia Cup with Japan in January. Tomiyasu’s prolonged absence has posed a challenge for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in terms of managing his defensive lineup. However, the team has managed to excel in his absence, winning eight consecutive domestic matches since his last appearance in the 2-1 defeat against Fulham on New Year’s Eve. During this impressive run, they have scored 33 goals, conceded only four, and kept four clean sheets.

With the return of Ben White’s strong performance, Arsenal aims to transfer their domestic form into European competition as they prepare to face Porto in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Tuesday night. Although they trail 1-0 on aggregate, Arteta will have nearly a full squad at his disposal.

Upon his return, Tomiyasu received a warm welcome from his teammates. A video from their morning training session, less than 36 hours before kickoff, shows the full-back being cheered on as he joins the group. As the players form a large circle, Tomiyasu is initially reserved but is encouraged by his manager to charge through the group. Players surround him, forming a tunnel of green jerseys while attempting to pat him on the head.

In a playful exchange, Oleksandr Zinchenko takes it a step further by seemingly aiming a knee in Tomiyasu’s direction as he moves through the tunnel. In response, Tomiyasu grabs hold of Zinchenko’s shirt and appears to attempt a retaliatory kιck with his left foot towards Zinchenko’s knee.

Following the light-hearted moment, the players disperse and continue with their training session. It remаins to be seen whether Tomiyasu will be included in the upcoming match. Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli, who was seen wearing a protective boot and using crutches during the 2-1 victory over Brentford, has not been ruled out and may still be available for selection.