Arsenal lose two more backroom staff after internal injury review costs Tom Allen his role

Arsenal are losing two more senior backroom figures this summer as the club’s internal injury review continues to reshape Mikel Arteta’s support staff. Head of sports science and performance Tom Allen is departing the Emirates Stadium after nine years, having joined in 2017 following a spell at Aston Villa.

Allen’s exit follows that of head of medical Dr Zafar Iqbal, who was axed last month in what was described as a surprise departure. Lead physical performance coach Sam Wilson — a 12-year servant of the club — is also leaving and is expected to join a club in Europe, according to the Telegraph.

The departures stem from a review commissioned in response to a damaging run of injuries to key players. Arteta recommended Spanish physiotherapist Joaquín Acedo, an old acquaintance, to lead the assessment. The club’s aim is to identify how they can better protect their squad going forward.

The injury toll last season was significant. Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard all missed substantial periods, while Jurrien Timber failed to recover in time for the Champions League final and was subsequently ruled out of the World Cup.

Arteta has been noted for deploying a high-intensity system that relies on a relatively small core of players, placing considerable physical demands on individuals. The club are now looking to address that structural vulnerability as they plan for the season ahead.

Arsenal ended a 22-year wait to win the Premier League last term, overcoming a late wobble to claim the title. Their European campaign ended in a Champions League final defeat to PSG on penalties, with Arsenal’s defensive approach drawing criticism from some quarters after they surrendered an early lead.

Arteta acknowledged the need to push further. “We’ll start to make some very important decisions, we want to reach another level,” he said. “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.”