Matteo Guendouzi has, yet again, been left entirely out of Arsenal's 20-man squad for Wednesday's clash with Norwich, as Mikel Arteta stands firm on his seemingly dim view of the Frenchman.
After getting involved in an altercation with Neal Maupay during a recent defeat to Brighton - where he was accused of making jibes about the difference in salaries between the sides - Arteta acted accordingly by removing him from the squad to face Southampton.
? Four changes from Sheffield...
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 1, 2020
➡️ Bellerin, Ceballos, Nelson, Aubameyang
⬅️ Maitland-Niles, Willock, Pepe, Saka#ARSNOR
Citing 'squad management' for his omission, it was the same state of affairs for Guendouzi for the FA Cup victory over Sheffield United and now also the midweek Premier League clash with Norwich at the Emirates Stadium.
Taking on the division's bottom side, an opportunity for the frilly-haired midfielder to stake a claim in a match that's - on paper - favourable for the club has now passed him by.
Whatever is going on behind the scenes clearly hasn't improved, with Arteta stating that 'the situation hasn't changed' in regards to Guendouzi, and that it was 'the same as last week'. Hardly reassuring for the Frenchman's future.
Talk over the midfielder's future has dominated the Arsenal-related headlines of late, ranging from the club losing hope in him to them opting to stand by his side.
Guendouzi was a near ever-present in his debut campaign with the Gunners under former boss Unai Emery, featuring 48 times across all competitions and netting the solitary goal.
Throughout that time there have been criticisms over his attitude and perceived petulance, with the fanbase somewhat torn over whether to cash in on the 21-year-old or stick with him.
Anyway, as is the case with all Arsenal lineups these days, Twitter responded in its usual, comic fashion to Guendouzi's no show.
The time when team news breaks is like the "witching hour" for Arsenal twitter, everyone just absolutely losing their minds. pic.twitter.com/ENm2swwGFT
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) July 1, 2020
Almost like Since the FA decided not to suspend Guendouzi, Arteta basically decided to suspend him, nothing but a sick agenda at this point.
— Emzel (@Emzyl23) July 1, 2020
I think Guendouzi is off at the end of the season. Arteta did say right at the start that players who didn’t buy into what he’s trying to do would be shown the door.
— Elvis #KBF (@EJPSarriesAFC) July 1, 2020
Guendouzi is truly dusted at my club de futbol. You love to see it.
— afc〽️edium (@afcMedium) July 1, 2020
Still no Ozil or Guendouzi
— ?? (@AFCinUS) July 1, 2020
Guendouzi trying to enter the Emirates https://t.co/2O7bQDWjJE pic.twitter.com/xoekMBvjUy
— Dammit Arsenal ??♀️ (@DammitArsenal) July 1, 2020
Where’s guendouzi lol
— nico pep (@ishonline_) July 1, 2020
Matteo Guendouzi completes his 3 match suspension today given by Mikel Arteta FA for the Brighton incident. ?
— AB (@abhiz30) July 1, 2020
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Source : 90min