Hector Bellerin has found himself on the Arsenal bench for the last two matches, leaving some fans with concerns over his future.
The Spanish international has been strongly linked with a move to one of Manchester City or Barcelona this summer, just as he was in previous transfer windows, and the speculation is building towards another long summer of rumours.
Bellerin was circulating on social media sporting a new ‘fresh’ haircut, which some rival fans used for ridicule, and he was expected to return to the starting line-up yesterday, but was overlooked.
The claim is that he is still struggling with a niggle on his ankle, but he came off the bench for both our last two outings, and how much truth in an injury hang-up is unknown.
Since switching to the 3-4-2-1 formation, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been favoured to star at right wing-back, and has impressed in the new system, and with the new lay-out looking likely to stay, Bellerin may have an uphill battle to win his place back.
Last week, Wenger claimed he had failed to return to ‘his level’ following an injury back in December, before urging him to snub joining up with the Spain Under-21 side for the upcoming tournament in Poland this summer.
Whether his request is to give the young star a rest before the new season, it could of course be twisted in the media to represent his wish to secure the maximum finances from a summer sale also, and with the Ox starring in his likely role in the new system, the speculation will continue to build.
The facts of the matter are that Bellerin is under contract until 2022, so unless our manager/owners decide he is surplus to requirements, he will be staying put.
Are you worried he may leave? Could there be talks going on behind the scenes? Or does he simply need a rest?
Pat J