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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Matt Davies

No Matteo Guendouzi in latest Arsenal training pictures ahead of FA Cup tie vs Sheffield United

Arsenal's first-team were back at their Colney training ground on Saturday as they prepare for an FA Cup trip to Sheffield United.

The Gunners bounced back with a crucial 2-0 win at Southampton on Thursday after disappointing defeats to both Manchester City and Brighton.

Guendouzi, who escaped an FA charge despite scuffling with Neal Maupay against Brighton, was left out of the squad entirely against Southampton amid reports the Frenchman is open to leaving the club this summer.

Head coach Mikel Arteta has insisted "the door is always open" for Guendouzi, who could return to the side against Sheffield United, but also stated he only wants players who are ready to “jump on the boat".

Though there is no indication he was absent from training, the 21-year-old was not pictured in training with his team-mates ahead of a potentially season-defining quarter-final.

Arsenal train at their London Colney complex ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie vs Sheffield United Photo: Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Elsewhere, Mesut Ozil - who is yet to make an appearance following the restart - was also not pictured in training, though both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette were present.

With an abundance of injuries facing Arteta, Arsenal need every player possible at the moment. But the sight of Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira in training will come as a welcome boost.

However, despite escaping an FA ban, it's not the first time Guendouzi has been questioned by Arsenal, and Arteta will have to quickly make a decision over his immediate future.

Arteta's primary focus will be to secure a momentum-building win against the Blades to book a place in the FA Cup semi-final.

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