Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu is set to miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

Tomiyasu has made just one appearance all season after coming off the bench against Southampton for the final six minutes of a 3-1 win.

The Japan international has been troubled by a knee issue and has undergone surgery to resolve it.

Tomiyasu, who announced on Tuesday night he had gone under the knife, is not expected to be back before the end of the season.

“I’ve had a surgery on my knee few days ago and I’ve already started my rehab to do what I love the most again,” Tomiyasu said in an Instagram post.

“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 being out has been a blow for Arsenal as the defender is versatile and able to play anywhere across the backline.

The 26-year-old excelled last season at left-back, but he has also featured regularly for Arsenal on the opposite flank, too.

“I always say that I’m really confident the moment Tomi has consistency, because it’s going to be a tremendous asset for us,” Mikel Arteta said last season.

“He can play in any position in the backline, any formation in the backline — we don’t have a player like him.

“His defending is probably one of the best that I’ve seen in many situations. When Tomi is at his best, we’re going to have a player who is going to be so important for us.”

Arsenal have been hit especially hard by injuries in defence this season, but they have at least been boosted by the recent return of Ben White.

White underwent knee surgery in November, however he returned to the squad last week and was on the bench for Arsenal’s 2-0 win at Leicester.

Arsenal will look to gradually build up the 27-year-old’s minutes due to him being out of action for an extended period of time.