Mikel Arteta's Arsenal are on course appoint another new member of the medical team this summer, ahead of the 2026/27 season getting underway in August
06:00, 24 Jun 2026
Arsenal suffered many serious and short-term injuries last season as they won the title
View Image
Arsenal suffered many serious and short-term injuries last season as they won the title(Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League)
Arsenal’s ongoing behind-the-scenes changes of their medical staff are set to continue with the appointment of Eneko Angulo, following his departure from Real Betis as their head of rehabilitation football.london understands.
Understands that the club are set to appoint Arnaldo Abrantes following the departure of Zafa Iqbal, who he will replace, as the club’s head of sports medicine. Iqbal joined the club from Crystal Palace in 2024 but left just two years later.
Abrantes has worked at Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest. A review of the club’s injury issues had been undertaken prior to the changes at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Arsenal suffered considerable injury problems in the previous two campaigns, and Jurrien Timber was unable to start the UEFA Champions League final, while Ben White missed out entirely. Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Jesus all missed extended periods.
While Piero Hincapie, William Saliba, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Riccardo Calafiori all suffered with problems throughout the campaign too. It was evident that something had to be done.
Angulo, upon his departure from Betis, took to social media to post a goodbye message. It is clear that Angulo had a strong relationship with the club of his home; he is set to join the North London side.
“Sometimes the decisions we make in life have a high sentimental value, and in my case, today I have to announce a very carefully considered decision made a few months ago that fills me with sadness, but on the other hand, it will allow me to be close to my family and enjoy what one leaves behind when assuming positions of responsibility like mine currently.
“I'm leaving my home, Real Betis Balompié, where I've grown both personally and professionally over 12 years in two separate spells.
"This is a personal, not a professional, decision; now it's time to be close to my family.
“It's a sad day because of everything I'm leaving behind: friends, hard work, dedication, and countless memories.
"Now it's time to return to Valencia with my family and consider new projects for the future together.
Article continues below
“Thank you for everything, Real Betis Balompié and its people.”
Welcome to 'Seeing Red' - our new Arsenal podcast
We've launched a new Arsenal podcast 'Seeing Red' with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta's side every step of the way - and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It's a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League - and they're also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We'll provide insight and reaction - and have fun along the way - as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We'll have it all covered.
Click here to view our YouTube channel
Click here to download our podcasts