Arsenal's head of sports science and performance, Tom Allen, is set to leave the club following an internal review ordered by manager Mikel Arteta. The departure comes after the Gunners already parted ways with head of medical Dr Zafar Iqbal last month.
Another Senior Figure Exits
Allen had been at the Emirates Stadium for nine years, joining in 2017 after a stint at Aston Villa. His exit adds to a growing list of backroom staff changes this summer, with lead physical performance coach Sam Wilson also leaving after 12 years at the club. Wilson is expected to join a European club, according to the Telegraph.
The internal review was prompted by a spate of injuries to key players, including Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, and Martin Odegaard, who all missed significant periods last season. Jurrien Timber also failed to recover in time for the Champions League final and was subsequently forced to miss the World Cup.
Arteta's Role and the Review
Arteta recommended an old acquaintance, Spanish physiotherapist Joaquín Acedo, to undertake the review. The manager's intense game-plan and reliance on a smaller squad have placed a heavier load on individual players, but the club aims to improve injury prevention measures.
Arsenal are coming off a season where they won the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, overcoming a late-season wobble. However, they fell short in Europe, losing to PSG on penalties in the Champions League final, with their defensive style drawing criticism.
Looking Ahead
Arteta acknowledged the need for further improvement, stating: "We'll start to make some very important decisions, we want to reach another level. We're going to have to show that ambition because they are more than capable of doing it but it's going to demand us to be very, very ambitious, very fast and very smart."
The departures signal a shake-up in Arsenal's backroom as they aim to build on their domestic success and challenge for European honours.
