Takehiro Tomiyasu doesn’t want a bit-part role at Arsenal

Takehiro Tomiyasu was undisputed starter last season.

The Japanese international got injured at the start of this season and Ben White was forced to replace the former Genoa defender.

He endured a series of calf injuries in the second half of last season which hindered his pre-season campaign this year.

Now with William Saliba pairing up with Gabriel Magalhaes at the heart of defence, White has been forced into the full-back role.

But Tomiyasu has made it clear that he will force his way back into the Arteta’s XI ahead of his friendly rivalry with Ben White.

He said: ‘What is required in this league is quite high and I’m not satisfied.

‘When you look at the players selected as starters in the premier league games, you will understand what is required to be there. I will work hard in order to get my position back.’

Tomiyasu is currently on international duty with Japan and will face his new teammate USA goalkeeper Matt Turner in a friendly fixture.

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