WILLIAN has been ‘dealt with internally’ by Arsenal after his break in Dubai during the international fortnight – with Mikel Arteta insisting the issue is ‘resolved’.
The Brazilian forward, 32, was spotted in Dubai after posing for a photo with Salt Bae despite coronavirus guidelines banning all but essential travel.
Willian travelled to Dubai during the international break and met Salt BaeCredit: Instagram @nusr_et
Mikel Arteta has downplayed the issue with Willian, saying it has been ‘resolved internally’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Willian had not been called up for Brazil’s matches with Venezuela and Uruguay – with rules suggesting he should have stayed in London.
But Arsenal boss Arteta has revealed the issue with Willian has been ‘resolved’ and he now just wants to move on ahead of this weekend’s trip to Newcastle.
Asked if Willian would play this weekend, Arteta briskly replied: “You keep asking me for more and more issues.
“Whatever happens with any issues or things that we don’t expect, as always we will try to resolve them internally.
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“That’s been dealt with and explained, and we move on.”
Arteta continued by saying he had held talks with Willian over his trip.
The boss continued: “We had a conversation and I explained what I expected.
“There are a lot of personal factors at the moment and as well from our side, we need to be in their shoes.
“A lot of players are having different issues, like any person out there and sometimes they make decisions based on the needs of the moment, or what people are expecting from them.
“Whether they are right or wrong, it’s a thing that we have to discuss.
“But it’s been dealt with in the right way so let’s move on.
“The situation has been resolved, explained and dealt with in the team and the club. That’s all I can say.”
Arteta did show some sympathy for Willian, saying it’s very easy to accidentally forget the coronavirus rules, even in training.
He said: “It’s impossible because we have so many rules, so many guidelines that we have to follow.
“Sometimes, without even thinking, you break them.
Arteta has also had to contend with talk of Ceballos’ fight with Luiz in training this weekCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
“Even in training when you give a bib to someone else you think, ‘Oh no, I cannot do that, the bib has to be here and someone has to come with gloves.’
“Sometimes you don’t even know [you’re breaking the rules].
“I just try to think that we are all very aware of what we are dealing with and we take it very very seriously.
“Everyone can make a mistake, it’s just where that mistake is coming from, I think that’s the relevant thing.”
Arteta has also had to contend with rumours of David Luiz’s fight with Dani Ceballos in training.
The Spanish boss confirmed there was a bust-up but played down the incident.
Willian joins Arsenal in training
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
