Arteta’s new injury blow as Akpom stars
ARSENAL captain Mikel Arteta is injured. Again. The midfielder has signed a new one-year deal despite having not played since November when a nagging calf strain became an ankle injury which needed surgery. The 33-year-old Basque is in Singapore for the Barclays Asia Trophy and able to participate in some training drills — but has more calf problems which make him unavailable for selection. Arteta accepts that he can no longer play such a pivotal on-field role as he once did but Arsene Wenger values his opinion and calming influence inside the camp. Wenger was keen to extend his contract to retain his presence in the dressing room. The manager hopes Arteta will be available when needed, but this seems likely to be less often. Francis Coquelin and Santi Cazorla forged a good understanding at the end of last season. Mathieu Flamini and Aaron Ramsey can play there and Jack Wilshere prefers to be central and plans to ask Wenger where he wants him to play this season. ‘I haven’t spoken to him but I will do before the start of the season,’ said Wilshere, who played at No 10 and scored a penalty in a 4-0 win against a Singapore XI in the Barclays Asia Trophy. Chuba Akpom scored a hat-trick and Wenger confirmed he will keep the 19-year-old striker in his squad this season rather than send him on loan. It promises to be a big season for Akpom, as it does for Wilshere, who is wanted by Manchester City but so desperate to make an impact at Arsenal that he reported back early for pre-season. Wenger has been impressed with his return to form and fitness but will not guarantee him a central role in the team. ‘For me he can play in all of the offensive positions,’ said the Arsenal boss. ‘Wide or central, and we have many good creative players. They will all tell you they want to play centrally. Unfortunately, some have to go wide as well.’