Mikel Arteta explains key Arsenal change ahead of Premier League title defence

Mikel Arteta has explained why Arsenal felt the need to overhaul their medical department over the summer.

The Spaniard has repeatedly spoken in recent seasons about the need for the Gunners to keep their key players fit, particularly in the run-in.

There has been a frustration at how much the club have been impacted by injury issues. Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Kai Havertz are among those to have had long spells out in crucial periods.

Head of sports medicine Dr Zafar Iqbal was sacked shortly after the Champions League final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain, before Tom Allen, the club’s head of sports science and performance, also departed.

Lead performance coach Sam Wilson left at the end of June, marking another significant exit behind the scenes.

Arsenal conducted a review into their medical department last season, with Arteta's long-term friend Joaquin Acedo brought in to play a key role.

Arteta paid tribute to those members of his staff who left over the summer, but emphasised the need to improve was not only limited to the players on the pitch.

“First of all thank you to them for all the incredible work they have done for the club, for the players, for myself – and how well they have taken us and we will look to improve and evolve in certain areas," Arteta said.

"We need to look across the club and we have made certain decisions that in our opinion will help us in medium and long term to be  better.

“They are always difficult when you talk about people and you get such a strong relationship. It is always very, very tough."

Eneko Angulo has been brought in after leaving his role as head of rehabilitation at Real Betis.

Arsenal also moved to appoint Arnaldo Abrantes as head doctor after he left Aston Villa.

Abrantes has an unusual background, having been a professional sprinter who represented Portugal at the 2008 Olympics.

Arteta explained: "He was a good athlete.

"When we're trying to evolve the squad, the team and the relationships and where the game is evolving, we wanted to recruit different qualities.

"That's one, when you've been been there and sensed things in a different way. But as well because of his background, his knowledge about a lot of things that I was very interested in.

"We believe he was the right fit. I'm very happy with what he's bringing."