Premier League giants Arsenal have, on Saturday, been dealt a blow on the personnel front.
The latest member of Mikel Arteta’s squad to have picked up a fitness issue? Nuno Tavares.
Portuguese defender Tavares was afforded an international call-up this week, linking up with A Selecao’s U21 outfit for a pair of European Championship qualifying fixtures versus Iceland and Greece.
As confirmed in an official statement earlier today, however, the 22-year-old is in fact set to play no part in either fixture, having been forced into an early departure from Rui Jorge’s squad.
‘Injury’ is simply cited as being behind Tavares’ exit, with it currently unclear whether or not the youngster is in line for any kind of extended spell on the sidelines:
”Regarding the initial call-up, there are two changes: in addition to Vítor Ferreira (FC Porto), who was called up to the AA National Team, Nuno Tavares (Arsenal FC) will not be part of the internship, due to injury. Tiago Araújo (FC Arouca) and Bernardo Vital (GD Estoril Praia) were named for their place.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 07: Nuno Tavares of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Watford at Emirates Stadium on November 7, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Gunners woes mount
Word of Tavares’ injury of course marks just the latest concern in Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal ranks.
First, prior to the international break getting underway, it was confirmed that shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale was set for a spell on the sidelines, owing to a hip injury.
The English international, in turn, joined key defender Takehiro Tomiyasu on the treatment table in north London.
Then, after Bukayo Saka departed Gareth Southgate’s England camp due to a positive test for Covid-19, fellow Hale End academy product Emile Smith Rowe was ruled out of the Three Lions’ meeting with Switzerland on Saturday evening, due to a minor injury issue of his own.
Arsenal are set to return to action on Monday the 4th of April, in a trip across London to take on club legend and Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira.
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