Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has played down the seriousness of Takehiro Tomiyasu’s latest injury.

The Japanese international picked up a hamstring problem in the 1-0 win over FC Zurich last week, having to be replaced after being sent on as a substitute himself.

However, Arteta claims Tomiyasu has avoided being out for a lengthy period of time by catching the injury early. He is still expected to miss the games against Brighton and Wolves but he will be available for the World Cup.

With both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Mohamed Elneny having returned to full fitness over the past week, the Gunners only have one other player on the treatment table.

Emile Smith Rowe had an operation on a chronic groin problem well over a month ago but, so far, there has been no estimate given by the club as to when the 22-year-old could make his return to first team action.