Mikel Arteta has found Arsenal’s new club doctor (Photo: Getty)
Arsenal are set to finally appoint a new medical chief in the form of Crystal Palace’s Zafar Iqbal, according to reports.
Last summer, the Gunners were deal a huge blow after long-serving club doctor Gary O’Driscoll left to join Manchester United.
The 53-year-old had been at the north London club since 2009 and was a key figure at the Emirates and an important member of Mikel Arteta’s staff.
Since his departure, first-team doctor Florence Newton has held the role of Head of Sports Medicine and Performance on a temporary basis.
But appears O’Driscoll’s permanent replacement has now been found, with The Athletic reporting that Arsenal are about to raid Palace for Iqbal’s services.
They say that Iqbal will work out his notice period at Selhurst Park, where he is the head of sports medicine, before moving across London at the end of the season.
He has previously worked for Liverpool, Tottenham and Leyton Orient, and has been at the Eagles since 2015.
Six Arsenal players are currently out injured including Jurrien Timber (Photo: Getty)
Arsenal haven’t been too badly affected by injuries this season, which has played a part in the Gunners’ terrific form that has sent them top of the Premier League table.
By contrast Palace have been badly affected by injury problems, with many players, including Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze, Dean Henderson and Cheick Doucoure, missing large parts of the season.
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Moreover, United have been decimated by injuries under O’Driscoll’s watch, with nine players currently in the treatment room, including Lisandro Martinez, Casemiro, Mason Mount and Harry Maguire.
Back on the pitch, Arsenal have the chance to extend their Premier League lead when they travel to Anfield for a top of the table clash with Liverpool on Saturday evening.
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