Some Arsenal fans have been left fearing for Alex Runarsson’s confidence after he was omitted from their Europa League squad.
Runarsson has been handed plenty of game time for Arsenal in Europe this term, but he has rarely convinced when called upon.
The Icelandic international’s awful showing in the League Cup against Manchester City seems to have been the real turning point in his career at the Emirates Stadium, though.
Since that game, Runarsson has found it harder to earn game time, and Matthew Ryan came in to replace him as second choice in January.
Arteta has now opted to call Ryan into Arsenal’s Europa League squad to replace Runarsson.
And while some Arsenal supporters feel that the correct decision has been made, there are others who are concerned that it could be a mistake.
If Runarsson’s confidence is shattered by a result of this latest snub then that could be a concern for Arsenal heading into the weekend.
Bernd Leno is suspended and Ryan is a doubt, which could mean that Runarsson has to start for Arsenal against Aston Villa on Saturday.
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