The Japan international sustained an injury on Asian Cup duty and he has been unable to contribute to the club as a result.

However, he has been making steady progress in the past few days. Arteta said that he is very close to first-team contention.

He said: "He’s very close, he’s already doing something on the grass and hopefully we’re going to have him very close with us."

The Gunners currently have Ben White as the undisputed choice at right-back. He was substituted shortly after the hour mark last night.

Cedric Soares was far from impressive as his replacement. The club definitely need more quality and depth behind White.

Both Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber are on their way back after injuries, but it is most likely that the former will return first.

Timber has been sidelined since August after a knee surgery. The Gunners are likely to be extra cautious over his fitness.

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