Arsenal fullback Takehiro Tomiyasu is making “pleasing progress” in recovering from a calf injury, according to the Daily Mail.

The Japanese international has not played since being forced off during the 2-1 win over Wolves at the start of this month.

It was expected that Tomiyasu would be sidelined for an extended period but there is now a decent chance that he could be back in action within the next couple of weeks.

The Mail claim there is  ‘hope’ that the defender will play before he flies out to join up with the Japan squad for the Asia Cup, which starts on January 12th.

Which game(s) could Tomiyasu play in?

You wouldn’t expect Tomiyasu to be available for Arsenal‘s league fixture against Liverpool this weekend, while the home game versus West Ham on December 28th may also come too soon.

There may be an outside chance that the 25-year-old will be available for the trip to face Fulham at Craven Cottage on New Year’s Eve, but the most realistic return date is probably the FA Cup third-round tie against Liverpool on January 7th.

Arsenal have 5 other players still out injured

Jorginho picked up a foot injury in training on Friday, but the Italian international is not set to be sidelined for too long. It may be touch and go whether he is available for the Liverpool match on Saturday. Mohamed Elneny sustained a minor hamstring strain against PSV but, like his teammate, he should be fit again relatively soon.

Thomas Partey is building up his fitness in the gym as he steps up his recovery from surgery on a thigh injury. Fabio Vieira, meanwhile, is in rehab after undergoing an operation on a groin problem. The Portuguese international is not expected to make his comeback until after the winter break in late January. Jurrien Timber (ACL) remains a long-term absentee.