Mikel Arteta has stated that Joe Willock missed Arsenal’s first friendly because of injury, despite fresh links of a return to Newcastle United.
The midfielder wasn’t even on the bench for Arsenal’s game on Tuesday night, which ended in defeat to Hibernian.
This caused a stir among Toon fans, who were expecting to see Willock feature for the Gunners in pre-season.
Then came a report from the Times, claiming that the Magpies had opened talks with Arsenal about bringing the 21-year-old back.
The Times stated that a season-long loan deal could be on the cards, which excited a lot of Newcastle supporters.
However, Arteta has explained that Willock’s absence had nothing to do with an impending return to St James’ Park.
Mikel Arteta explains that Joe Willock was injured
After the 2-1 defeat to Hibs, Arteta told Football London: “He wasn’t involved today because he had a little groin issue.
“He trained yesterday really well but we didn’t want to risk him. Joe is part of our plans, he’s our player and in the time that he is here we will try to make the most out of him.
“He had a great experience on loan. He was I think he was one of the most important players for their survival.”
Arsenal clearly could have done with Willock, who was excellent during his loan spell at Newcastle. That’s why Toon fans are so desperate for him to return.
While Arteta didn’t mention a move to Newcastle, the Spaniard hardly confirmed that Willock is going nowhere.
The words ‘in the time that he is here’ seem to hint at a move away from the Emirates. However, that is purely speculation.
Despite training ‘really well’, Willock wasn’t fit enough to play for Arsenal on Tuesday night.
But will he ever play for Arsenal again? Toon fans will hope not, and that he’s in a black and white shirt sooner rather than later.
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