LiveScore Daily: Tomiyasu signs new terms at Arsenal

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Tomiyasu signs new deal

Arsenal defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has agreed a new long-term deal with the Gunners.

The versatile defender has made 73 appearances for Mikel Arteta's side since signing from Bologna in 2021, scoring for the first time against Sheffield United last October.

And the 25-year-old will now remain in North London for the foreseeable future.

Boss Arteta said: "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."

Paging Aaron

Wales boss Robert Page had no qualms selecting Aaron Ramey in his squad for this week's Euro 2024 qualification play-offs despite the midfielder only recently returning from injury.

Cardiff boss Erol Bulut had demanded better communication from Page when Ramsey was first included in the squad last week.

But after the veteran appeared for 18 minutes in Saturday's defeat at Swansea, Page is not bothered.

He said: "I don't know what all the fuss is about to be honest. I don't need to have a conversation with the Cardiff manager, I trust my medical team.

"There has never been a better relationship. We just want the player fit.

"To have people like Aaron, who has that ability even if he doesn't have the legs he used to have, is great for the younger players."

'Therapy saved my life'

Tottenham forward Richarlison believes turning to therapy has saved his life.

The Brazil international revealed earlier this season he would seek help after struggling with injury and life away from the field.

And he is now keen his team-mates follow his lead.

He said: "Only we know the pressure we suffer, not just on the pitch but off it.

"I suffered even more outside. It's important to have a psychologist.

"As a national team player with an active voice, I tell people to seek help because it saved my life."

Bradley hails Robertson

Conor Bradley has praised the impact of Liverpool team-mate Andy Robertson on his burgeoning career.

Bradley is in the Northern Ireland squad that will take on Robertson's Scotland at Hampden Park next week — but is only complimentary about the left-back.

He said: "Andy has been brilliant with me since I came into the Liverpool squad.

"He's helped me through it and has given me little tips before games that help settle any nerves.

"He keeps battering me about consistency. Keep doing the same things every day and every game. I've been trying to do that."

Webb backs Liverpool VAR call

Referees chief Howard Webb says VAR were right not to interfere with Liverpool's shout for a late penalty against Manchester City earlier this month.

The Reds thought they should have been awarded a spot-kick when Jeremy Doku caught Alexis Mac Allister with a high boot in the area.

But Webb insists the City winger also played the ball and the incident was not clear-cut enough to overturn.

He said: "It's split a lot of opinion, hasn't it?

"If the referee gives a penalty on the field, it would have been a check complete by the VAR.

"Equally, having not given it, it's also check complete. The ball is too low to head. Doku lifts his foot to play the ball and he does make contact on the ball."

Hughes heading to Anfield

Liverpool have announced the appointment of Richard Hughes as the club's new sporting director from the end of this season.

Hughes will leave Bournemouth, where he has served as technical director for a decade.

He has been hired by Michael Edwards, who was recently named as Fenway Sports Group's CEO of football.

Hughes said: "I am incredibly proud to be offered this opportunity. 

"Liverpool FC is a unique club and I’m grateful to be given a chance to serve it in this capacity.

"People rightly talk about the rich history this organisation can boast but it is the present and future which really excites me. Jurgen Klopp is leading an outstanding team."

Returning Rowett

Birmingham have made Gary Rowett their fourth manager of the season after announcing Tony Mowbray will not be well enough to return to the dugout until the summer.

Mowbray is on leave due to a medical issue, while John Eustace and Wayne Rooney have already taken charge of the Blues this term.

Mark Venus has also been temporarily in the hotseat over the last few weeks — but Rowett has now returned to his former club, who sit 21st in the Championship with only goal difference keeping them out of the relegation zone.

The club's chief executive Garry Cook said: "The team is in a challenging position. A strong leader is needed to guide the players through to the end of the season.

"Tony wanted to be part of the solution, so together we agreed to identify an interim manager. Gary Rowett was the No1 choice.

"We are pleased to welcome Gary back to Blues. He has the necessary experience and the requisite passion for the club and our loyal fans."

Lundgaard laid low

Liverpool midfielder Sofie Lundgaard will miss the rest of the season after suffering a medial ligament injury in her knee against West Ham last Sunday.

The 21-year-old was substituted in the first half of the Women's Super League victory.

And the club have now announced a serious diagnosis.

Club doctor Amelia Woodhouse said: "Sofie sustained a knee injury during Sunday's game which was confirmed to be ligament damage following a scan.

"She will now begin a period of rehabilitation at the club and will miss the final games of the season."