Injury-troubled Japan and Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu revealed Tuesday on Instagram that he underwent surgery on his right knee.

The 26-year-old suffered a knee injury before the start of the season and was again sidelined after making a brief comeback in October, leaving the versatile player with one appearance across all competitions.

“I’ve had a surgery on my knee (a) few days ago and I’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again,” Tomiyasu, who had an operation on the same knee in March 2023, captioned a photo of him standing with crutches.

“It has been the toughest period in my career for sure and it carries on a bit more but I won’t give up. Thank you for your support and see you again.”

Tomiyasu also wrote the message in Japanese, vowing to come back stronger.

“I’m sorry to the fans and supporters that I haven’t been able to convey my situation from my side for the past half a year,” he wrote.

“There are lots of things I want to say. For now, I’m just working to make my return knowing that there are people waiting for me, and to be back on the pitch to pay them back there.”

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