Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained the decision to omit Matteo Guendouzi from his squad for the Premier League clash with Southampton.
The Gunners are looking to bounce back after a disastrous return to top-flight action, suffering defeats against Manchester City and Brighton to leave their European hopes in tatters.
Arsenal will be looking for redemption against the Saints but, following a turbulent week for Guendouzi, the France U21 international is not amongst the squad.
While speculation has stated that Arsenal will look to offload the former Lorient man this summer, Arteta has stated he would not elaborate on the reasons and any internal issues would be dealt with privately.
"It's squad management. Whatever internal issue we have, we deal with it privately. The needs of the team and football club are always the same, put the best players on the football pitch that are 100% focused to win the game," he told Sky Sports.
Guendouzi was involved in a bust-up with Brighton striker Neal Maupay following the final whistle at the weekend but escaped punishment from the Premier League.
He took issue with his compatriot's behaviour during the match, after goalkeeper Bernd Leno was injured after an unnecessary challenge from the striker.
