After suffering a catastrophic knee injury, Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal has been declared out for the remainder of the campaign.

PHOTO | COURTESY Tomiyasu to miss rest of the season

The 24-year-old right-back exited the Emirates Stadium on crutches nine minutes into last Thursday's Europa League round of 16 loss to Sporting Lisbon.

The club announced that the Japanese international had successful surgery on Tuesday in London and will now miss the Gunners' last 10 Premier League matches.

Tomiyasu has featured in 31 games across all competitions this season, contributing to Arsenal's ascent to the top.

Tomiyasu's return in plenty of time for the upcoming season is what Mikel Arteta will wish for.

Before starting the new season, Arteta's team will face a Wayne Rooney-coached Major League Soccer All-Stars squad on July 19.

PHOTO | COURTESY Takehiro Tomiyasu in action for Arsenal

The game will take place at Audi Field in Washington, DC, where DC United plays. Rooney has been the team's manager since last summer.

"It's fantastic that we'll be playing the MLS All-Stars in Washington, DC, in July", according to Arsenal manager Arteta.

"Our tour of the US last summer served as excellent preseason training, and we are eager to return to see our incredible fans there. A strong test for the next 2023–24 season will be the game versus the MLS All-Stars".

"Our July contest with the MLS All-Stars is a terrific opportunity for Mikel and the team to be ready for the upcoming season, facing a tough rival," sporting director Edu said. The last touches are being made to our preseason schedule, and we anticipate providing more information soon".

Rooney played for DC United from 2018 to 2019 before returning as manager in July last year.

Rooney told DC United's website, "I've had a front-row seat to observe Major League Soccer's expansion and development, first as a player and most recently as a manager".

PHOTO | COURTESY Blow to Arsenal as Tomiyasu ruled out for the rest of the season

"The chance to lead the best in our league against a premier league powerhouse A highlight for me personally will be a team like Arsenal. a once-in-a-lifetime event for our devoted fanbase here in DC," the player said.

The last English team to participate in the annual MLS All-Stars game was Arsenal, the current Premier League leaders, who triumphed 2-1 in San Jose back in 2016.

Rooney competed for Manchester United in the 2011 contest in New Jersey, which they won 4-0. He also participated for the MLS squad in the 2019 match against Atletico Madrid in Orlando, which they won 3-0.