Arsenal is implementing a substantial overhaul of its medical and performance department in an effort to combat persistent injury problems that have hampered their title challenges in recent seasons. The club has made numerous changes to its staff, bringing in specialists from other clubs and recruiting a former Olympic sprinter.
This restructuring comes as key players like Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and William Saliba have dealt with various fitness issues. In the 2022-23 season, Saliba's back injury coincided with Arsenal faltering in the Premier League title race. The team faced similar challenges in the 2024-25 season when injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in January contributed to their challenge ending by March.
During the 2025-26 campaign, only two outfielders out of 22 avoided injury, highlighting the strain on the squad. Even with increased depth, the team's resources were tested, though the added personnel ultimately helped secure the league championship.
As pre-season approaches, Arsenal's injury concerns persist. Jurrien Timber has been managing a groin issue, and Saliba is continuing to deal with back problems. Bukayo Saka is currently unable to train on consecutive days for England due to an Achilles injury, limiting his starts at the World Cup. Declan Rice has been experiencing a neural issue affecting his lower back and hamstring for months.
Medical Team Revamp
The shake-up includes the arrival of Spanish physiotherapist Joaquin Acedo, a long-time associate of manager Mikel Arteta. Acedo, who worked with Arteta during his playing days at Real Sociedad and later at Everton, joined Arsenal in the final months of last season to assess player fitness and injury protocols. He is now fully integrated into the team for the upcoming season.
Several key figures have departed from the medical department. Dr. Zafar Iqbal, head of sports medicine, left the club shortly after Arsenal's Champions League final defeat. Tom Allen, head of sports science, who joined from Aston Villa in 2017 and was promoted by Arteta in 2022, has also departed. Sam Wilson, the lead physical performance coach who had been with the club since 2014, is moving to Parma.
New Recruits
Arsenal is set to welcome Dr. Arnaldo Abrantes from Aston Villa, who previously worked at Nottingham Forest and has a background as a 2008 Olympic qualifier in the 200m sprint. He will be joined by Carmen Marquez, a physiotherapist who also transferred from Aston Villa earlier in the year. The club's interest in Abrantes and Marquez was reportedly influenced by Aston Villa's strong injury record under Unai Emery.
Other expected additions include rehab specialist Eneko Angulo from Real Betis, Braga fitness coach Antonio Gomes, and physical trainer Jose Jimenez from Bayer Leverkusen. Jimenez previously worked at Cadiz before moving to Leverkusen.
Player Feedback and Adjustments
The club's overhaul reflects a strategic approach to player welfare. Arteta's training methods are known for their intensity, with a belief that resilience is built through challenge. However, last season, a group of senior players, including Eberechi Eze, expressed concerns to Arteta about the cumulative physical toll. Following this feedback, the club increased days off and slightly reduced session intensity, an adjustment that appeared to benefit the team. Arteta's openness to modifying these demands indicates a recognition of the need for balance, with the new medical team tasked with managing player workload effectively to support the team's bid to retain the Premier League title.