Mikel Arteta provides Tomiyasu, Smith Rowe update ahead of Leicester City clash

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed that Takehiro Tomiyasu is still doubtful for Sunday's Premier League clash with Leicester City.

The Japan international was back on the bench for the win over Brentford last month after a leg problem but has since come down with an injury in his other calf.

Tomiyasu has not featured in the Premier League since the New Year's Day defeat to Manchester City, and Arteta has now provided an update on the right-back's condition.

Speaking to reporters at his pre-match press conference, Arteta said: "Tomiyasu we are still assessing him. We are taking some time to get him back in the safest and best possible way."

However, the Gunners boss has confirmed that Emile Smith Rowe should be back in contention after a bout of COVID-19, adding: "Emile looks like he is going to be available.

"He went through COVID, he's feeling good now, he's had a couple of training sessions and hopefully he can get the rhythm, consistency and stay out of missing games because he's a really important player for us. We need him."

Arsenal will endeavour to make it five Premier League wins on the bounce in Sunday's game, where Leicester will have to make do without Jamie Vardy, who has struck 11 goals against the Gunners.