bbc.co.uk

Arsenal head of sports medicine to leave club

Dr Zafar Iqbal wearing an Arsenal training top and medical rucksackGetty Images

Sami Mokbel

Senior football correspondent

Arsenal's head of sports medicine Dr Zafar Iqbal is leaving after two years at the club.

It is understood the process of replacing the medical practitioner, who has also worked at Crystal Palace and Liverpool, is underway.

Iqbal was informed in a meeting last week, in the aftermath of Arsenal's Champions League final loss to Paris St-Germain, that he would be departing.

He arrived at Emirates Stadium in 2024, replacing Gary O'Driscoll who left to join Manchester United.

Iqbal is highly respected throughout football and the decision has come unexpectedly, though some members of staff have been aware of the uncertainty over his future in recent weeks.

The reasons are unclear, but the Gunners' squad sustained a number of key injuries throughout the season.