Arsenal are one of the Premier League teams that will suffer due to the absence of key players at international tournaments in January and February. A situation which upsets the Gunners' star
Arsenal and Japan defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has expressed dissatisfaction with the scheduling of the Asian Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), stating his belief about the negative effect the tournaments will have on players.
Tomiyasu unhappy with international games scheduling
Tomiyasu, who is currently a part of Arsenal's first-team squad, highlighted the difficulty faced by players who have to leave their club duties mid-season to participate in these continental tournaments, saying, "I want the Asian Cup to be played in June, the same as the Euros.
![How AFCON 2023 will Affect Premier League Teams](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/28122023/ff74cbb6-e7f8-4f40-8b20-820a1cb925b0.png?operations=fit(180:))
05:24 - 28.12.2023
How AFCON 2023 will Affect Premier League Teams
The AFCON 2023 schedule thus presents a unique challenge for Premier League clubs, particularly those with a significant number of players participating in the tournament.
![Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu included in Japan’s squad for Asian Cup](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/31122023/bbc6f493-9b27-47a9-98cc-6fbf0dc8d56e.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
20:03 - 02.01.2024
FOOTBALL Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu included in Japan’s squad for Asian Cup
The Arsenal defender recently returned from injury by featuring in the second half of Arsenal’s 2-1 loss to Fulham.
I don't know why we are playing in January - not only the Asian Cup but the African Cup of Nations as well. It's not good for the players. But it is what it is, and I will really try to come back with the title."
Tomiyasu takes strong stance on tournament timing
Tomiyasu's main concern is the timing of these tournaments, which are held in January and February. This schedule clashes with the middle of the Premier League season, causing players to miss crucial matches with their clubs.
![Takehiro Tomiyasu in action for Arsenal || iMAGE CREDIT: IMAGO](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/31122023/bbc6f493-9b27-47a9-98cc-6fbf0dc8d56e.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
The defender suggested that these tournaments should be held in June, aligning with the schedule of the UEFA Euros. This change would reduce the disruption to both players and clubs during the busy football season.
Tomiyasu’s absence leaves Arsenal short
According to the Daily Star, this issue is particularly pertinent for Tomiyasu, as Japan is set to participate in the Asian Cup, and his involvement could lead to him missing up to six games for Arsenal, including four Premier League matches.
![Tomiyasu has become one of Arsenal's most important defenders | Imago](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/21032023/871dc32b-4897-4d3d-a969-1b175f3ccdd8.jpeg?operations=fit(480:))
This absence could be significant, especially as Arsenal is one of the top contenders in the Premier League this season and are short in the left-back department, with Oleksandr Zinchenko proving to be injury-prone and Kieran Tierney out on loan in Spain.
![Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko | Imago](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/12052023/197e6918-2b54-493c-b3b8-87222c82fa58.jpeg?operations=fit(480:))
Japan, aiming for a record-extending fifth Asian Cup title, will begin their campaign against Vietnam, followed by matches against Iraq and Indonesia in Group D. Meanwhile, players like Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah will be representing their countries in the AFCON, further emphasising the impact of this schedule on top Premier League teams.
![Mohamed Salah – A Dynamic Force at Liverpool (Credit: Imago)](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/18122023/0ee1a180-f53d-4895-9863-46adb8dc462b.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Tomiyasu's call for a change in the scheduling of the Asian Cup and AFCON is only the latest voice in the ongoing debate in international football regarding the balance between club and country commitments and the well-being of players.
Related content
![10 best January transfer signings in Premier League history](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/04012024/9ef7d593-39f3-40d7-9988-255647a2901f.png?operations=fit(180:))
15:21 - 04.01.2024
10 best January transfer signings in Premier League history
These 10 players changed the courses of their clubs' fortunes after signing in fascinating January winter transfers
![Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu included in Japan’s squad for Asian Cup](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/31122023/bbc6f493-9b27-47a9-98cc-6fbf0dc8d56e.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
20:03 - 02.01.2024
FOOTBALL Arsenal's Takehiro Tomiyasu included in Japan’s squad for Asian Cup
The Arsenal defender recently returned from injury by featuring in the second half of Arsenal’s 2-1 loss to Fulham.
![Arsenal’s Thomas Partey left out of Ghana’s AFCON 2023 squad](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/06032023/9ca412c0-04a4-4c24-9d9a-eb9cf1deeb1b.png?operations=fit(180:))
17:00 - 01.01.2024
FOOTBALL Arsenal’s Thomas Partey left out of Ghana’s AFCON 2023 squad
Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is among the stars who will be missing at the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after being omitted from Ghana’s squad
![Willian insists forgettable spell at Arsenal was the ‘worst of his professional career’](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/31122023/2eb8bf4c-33c3-432c-af6b-387c0dd77512.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
09:00 - 01.01.2024
FOOTBALL Willian insists forgettable spell at Arsenal was the ‘worst of his professional career’
Willian scored just once in 37 appearances for Arsenal during a disastrous 20/21 season.
![Fulham vs Arsenal: Worst game of the season — Mikel Arteta slams performance at Craven Cottage](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/31122023/c1088cc3-5201-4bad-96e1-ab98047d6df6.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
21:26 - 31.12.2023
Fulham vs Arsenal: Worst game of the season — Mikel Arteta slams performance at Craven Cottage
Arsenal dropped points for the third successful game, but Arteta explains why the loss to Fulham is different from the previous two games against West Ham and Liverpool.
![3 unwanted milestones Arsenal reached in loss to Fulham](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/31122023/c1088cc3-5201-4bad-96e1-ab98047d6df6.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
18:44 - 31.12.2023
3 unwanted milestones Arsenal reached in loss to Fulham
The Premier League title appears to be running away from Arsenal after another league defeat to Fulham set the Gunners' title challenge back some more
![Arsenal opens door for Crystal Palace's second bid for Eddie Nketiah](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/31082023/ca4fc0b3-d346-4300-b285-5da1324f4132.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
18:25 - 31.12.2023
Arsenal opens door for Crystal Palace's second bid for Eddie Nketiah
In their pursuit of Ivan Toney and other targets, Arsenal might have to sacrifice academy graduate Eddie Nketiah
![Iwobi, Jimenez inspire Fulham to leave hapless Arsenal with sad end to 2023](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/31122023/6172003b-5417-4084-be04-d1c440164fe5.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
17:05 - 31.12.2023
Iwobi, Jimenez inspire Fulham to leave hapless Arsenal with sad end to 2023
Fulham handed Arsenal their second defeat in less than a week as the Gunners title aspirations slowly fade away.
![Fulham vs Arsenal: Team news, where to watch & predicted line-up as the Gunners seek to end 2023 on top](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/31122023/bbc6f493-9b27-47a9-98cc-6fbf0dc8d56e.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
10:06 - 31.12.2023
FOOTBALL Fulham vs Arsenal: Team news, where to watch & predicted line-up as the Gunners seek to end 2023 on top
Arsenal will visit Fulham looking to bounce back from Thursday’s loss as they seek to close the year by topping the Premier League table
![The Barcelona outcast who could link up with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/31122023/30a5ce87-86bc-464e-a7f8-8a14791f6def.jpg?operations=fit(180:))
05:00 - 31.12.2023
The Barcelona outcast who could link up with Mikel Arteta at Arsenal
Arsenal have identified are reportedly interested in signing a Barcelona star in the upcoming transfer window.