Arsenal appoint former Olympian Arnaldo Abrantes as head doctor
Arsenal are set to appoint former Olympic sprinter Arnaldo Abrantes as their new head doctor following his departure from Aston Villa.
The 39-year-old will officially begin his work at the Emirates Stadium in July.
He replaces Dr Zafar Iqbal, who recently departed north London after a two-year tenure.
Abrantes previously served as head of performance at Nottingham Forest before his spell in the West Midlands.
Addressing an injury-hit campaign
Mikel Arteta is determined to improve the physical resilience of his squad ahead of the new season.
The Gunners struggled with significant absentee issues throughout their previous campaign.
Captain Martin Odegaard was restricted to just 16 league starts due to persistent fitness problems.
Key additions such as Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber also spent substantial periods sidelined.
The club’s hierarchy views the medical department as a crucial area to gain marginal advantages over their title rivals.
Rogers addresses transfer speculation
In addition to backroom staff, Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers.
The English attacker is currently balancing his club future with upcoming international commitments.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, the highly-rated prospect discussed the psychological impact of being associated with top clubs.
“I think the first time it ever happened it was.”
“You’re in an uncomfortable spot of not realising that people have so much interest in you and you’re not quite realising that.”
The Villa star explained that gaining experience has gradually helped him manage the pressure of intense media scrutiny.