 |
| Zafar Iqbal |
Arsenal are set to finally appoint a new medical
chief in the form of Crystal Palace’s Zafar Iqbal, according to reports
Last summer, the Gunners were deal a huge blow
after long-serving club doctor Gary O’Driscoll left to join Manchester United.
The 53-year-old had been at the north London club
since 2009 and was a key figure at the Emirates and an important member of
Mikel Arteta’s staff.
Since his departure, first-team doctor Florence
Newton has held the role of Head of Sports Medicine and Performance on a
temporary basis
But appears O’Driscoll’s permanent replacement
has now been found, with The Athletic reporting that Arsenal are about to raid
Palace for Iqbal’s services.
They say that Iqbal will work out his notice
period at Selhurst Park, where he is the head of sports medicine, before moving
across London at the end of the season.
He has previously worked for Liverpool, Tottenham
and Leyton Orient, and has been at the Eagles since 2015.
Arsenal haven’t been too badly affected by
injuries this season, which has played a part in the Gunners’ terrific form
that has sent them top of the Premier League table.
By contrast Palace have been badly affected by
injury problems, with many players, including Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Dean
Henderson and Cheick Doucoure, missing large parts of the season.
Moreover, United have been decimated by injuries
under O’Driscoll’s watch, with nine players currently in the treatment room,
including Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Harry Maguire.
Back on the pitch, Arsenal have the chance to
extend their Premier League lead when they travel to Anfield for a top of the
table clash with Liverpool on Saturday evening.
Source: Metro
0 Comments