Japan international Tomiyasu hasn’t featured for the Premier League leaders since a 2-1 defeat against Fulhman on New Year’s Eve.
The versatile defender made four appearances at the Asia Cup but returned with a muscular injury and hasn’t featured in a run of eight successive Premier League games that has fired Mikel Arteta’s men to the top of the table.
With a season defining run of games on the horizon, starting with a trip to Manchester City immediately after the international break, Arteta would have been pleased to see Tomiyasu get 45 minutes under his belt.
Thomas Partey, who has also endured an injury ravaged season, managed to play for an hour but was unable to prevent a young side slip to a 4-0 defeat at the TSG Elite Training & Performance Centre.
Tomiyasu, meanwhile, signed a new long-term contract earlier this week and is delighted to pledge his future to the club he signed two-and-a-half years ago.
He said: ‘I am so happy to extend my contract because Arsenal is the best club in the world. It’s a dream to play for this club, so I’m happy.
Arsenal Team vs QPR
Arsenal: Ejeheri (Rojas 46), Nichols (Dudziak 64), Robinson, Foran, Tomiyasu (Quesada-Thorn 46), Partey (Kabia 64), Lewis-Skelly, Gower (Bandeira 64), Cozier-Duberry (Oulad M’Hand 64), Butler-Oyedeji, Kamara (Rosiak 64).
‘When I’m on the pitch I feel the love and energy from the supporters. We are connected a lot so I want to give them something back. I am playing for Arsenal, and this means I’m playing for the Arsenal supporters. That’s why I dedicate my life to this club and the supporters.
‘I want to give them something back. The connection between players and supporters is a different level and that makes it more special.’
Sporting Director Edu said: ‘We are very excited to have Tomi with us for more years to come. He has huge qualities both on and off the pitch, and offers so much strength and versatility to our squad.
‘Tomi is a top professional and it’s great that he’ll continue to play an important role in the coming years, as we work towards achieving our goals.’
Arteta added: ‘We are so pleased to have Tomi commit his future with us.
‘Together with his natural ability and strength, Tomi’s attitude, mentality and values are first-class. Tomi is loved by everyone and has been an integral part of the squad since joining us.
‘The way he trains, with his desire and determination to be the best version of himself every day is admirable. We look forward to continue working with Tomi in the future years.’
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