Like the Euros, the Asian Cup and AFCON should take place in June. Takehiro Tomiyasu of Arsenal is dissatisfied with his schedule. Takehiro Tomiyasu, a defender for Arsenal and Japan, is not pleased with how the Asian Cup and AFCON are scheduled in the middle of the Premier League season.
One of the strongest candidates to win the Premier League this year is Arsenal. Takehiro Tomiyasu (Japan) and Mohamed Elneny (Egypt) would be missed by the club during this pivotal period of the Premier League season.
Tomiyasu believes that the Asian Cup ought to be moved to June and held concurrently with Europe’s own continental competition.
The tournament’s last three iterations have taken place in January and February, giving Middle Eastern nations—whose summertime temperatures are typically above 50 degrees Celsius and are deemed hazardous for football—the chance to host.
If Japan advances to the final in Qatar, Arsenal may be without Tomiyasu for six games, including four Premier League games.
In an interview that was released on Tuesday, Tomiyasu stated to the Evening Standard, “I want the Asian Cup to be played in June, the same as the Euros.”
“I don’t see why we are participating in both the African Cup of Nations and the Asian Cup in January. It’s detrimental to the players. However, things are how they are, and I sincerely want to return with the title,” he continued.
On January 14, Japan, who are vying for a record-tying sixth Asian Cup title, will play Vietnam in their inaugural match.
Mohamed Salah, a forward for Liverpool, had already expressed his optimism that his side will succeed in the Premier League without him. Salah will be representing Egypt, one of the strongest teams competing for the AFCON this year.
With 45 points, Liverpool is currently atop the Premier League standings, while Arsenal is currently in fourth place with 40 points, having played one fewer game than the other teams in the Top 4.
