Story perspectives

Arsenal fires sports medicine chief amid injury crisis

6/10/2026

Summary

Arsenal Axes Sports Doctor

Arsenal have terminated Dr Zafar Iqbal as head of sports medicine and performance.
Iqbal joined Arsenal in February 2024 after senior medical roles at Crystal Palace and Liverpool, and chairs the FA Medical Society.
Arsenal’s injury list includes surgeries for Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and others, while the club will announce Iqbal’s replacement in late July after Arteta commissioned Joaquin Acedo to review injuries.

Summary

Arsenal Reviews Injuries

Arsenal posted one of its strongest campaigns under Mikel Arteta, staying competitive in league and cup despite many injuries.
The staff adjusted selections to manage absences while still contesting titles.
An internal review with external medical experts examined injury handling and performance support.
The club gave no official comment linking Dr Zafar Iqbal’s departure to the injury record.
Senior leadership communicated Dr Iqbal’s contract termination internally soon after the season ended.

Summary

Arsenal Wins

Arsenal secured the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years despite an injury-hit season.
Club officials confirmed Dr Zafar Iqbal’s departure after a meeting with senior chiefs last week.
The Dutch FA said Jurrien Timber was not medically fit for the Netherlands World Cup squad because of a groin injury.
Arsenal launched a Full Arsenal YouTube channel and podcast that provide match reactions, tactical analysis and transfer discussion.

History

Historical Context

Arsenal’s 2003-04 campaign, guided by manager Arsène Wenger, saw the club finish the Premier League with 26 wins, 12 draws and no defeats, extending a 49-match unbeaten run. The achievement, likened to Preston North End’s 1888-89 season, marked the last title before a 22-year drought that ended only in 2025-26, underscoring the lasting impact of that historic stability.

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Arsenal Axes Sports Doctor

Arsenal have terminated Dr Zafar Iqbal as head of sports medicine and performance.
Iqbal joined Arsenal in February 2024 after senior medical roles at Crystal Palace and Liverpool, and chairs the FA Medical Society.
Arsenal’s injury list includes surgeries for Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Jurrien Timber, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and others, while the club will announce Iqbal’s replacement in late July after Arteta commissioned Joaquin Acedo to review injuries.

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