Mikel Arteta has provided an update on how Arsenal plan to deal with the fallout from Willian’s trip to Dubai.
The 32-year-old was not called up by Brazil over the international break and travelled to Dubai, with the club reportedly unaware of the trip.
Arsenal were only alerted to it after a picture emerged of the Brazilian standing alongside Nusret Gokce - more commonly known as‘ Salt Bae’ - at his Nusr-Et restaurant in Abu Dhabi.
UK law dictates that people who travel to Dubai are not required to self-isolate, but Willian will have to return a negative test for COVID-19 before he is able to train again.
Willian reportedly does not believe he has done anything wrong as he was in the Middle Eastern city for business purposes.
Arsenal have also launched an internal enquiry into the issue.
While neither the player nor the club have made any public statement on the matter, Mikel Arteta was insistent that it would be dealt with in house.
“You keep asking me about more and more issues,” he said speaking in his press conference ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Leeds on Sunday.
“Whatever happens internally with any issues or things we don't expect we try to resolve them internally. That's been dealt with, explained and we move on.”
Arteta did reveal that the pair had spoken and said that the situation is something he wants to be able to move on from quickly.
“I had a conversation with him and explained what I was expecting,” he said. “There are a lot of personal factors at the moment from our side we need to be their shoes.
“A lot of players are having different issues like any public person out there. Sometimes they're making decisions based on the needs, different moments or what people are expecting from them.
“Whether they're right or wrong that's something we have to discuss but it's been dealt in the right way and let's move on.”
If he is able to play on Sunday, Willian will be hoping to kickstart his season. The Brazilian has failed to score or assist since the opening day of the Premier League and has largely underwhelmed since his switch from Chelsea.
Former Arsenal player Paul Merson claimed the 32-year-old looks 'lost' since the move, and called on Arteta to get more from him.
"I think I’m seeing things at the moment. Willian was unbelievable at Chelsea last year,” said Merson.
“For me, he was probably one of the best Chelsea players. He was phenomenal – an outstanding talent.
"He has gone to Arsenal and he looks lost. They have got to get him performing."
