Arteta says Arsenal summer signing has already suffered an ‘issue’ since joining

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has suggested to Football London that Alex Runarsson has already had a ‘small issue’ since he joined.

Runarsson only signed for Arsenal last week, and he was widely expected to make his debut in the League Cup last night.

However, Arteta ended up picking Bernd Leno to start in goal.

That decision proved to be an inspired one, as Leno picked up a clean-sheet and the man of the match award, after Arsenal progressed on penalties at Anfield.

It now means that Runarsson is set to be waiting a fair while before making his debut for the club, unless injury strikes.

But Arteta insists that the Icelandic international will get plenty of game time this season.

“Alex [Runarsson] came in, he’s only been with us a week and he had a small issue as well,” Arteta said.

“Things will evolve, Alex will be more comfortable here and they will both play.

“When Emi left, we were looking for a second goalkeeper.

“We were in the market, it took a little bit longer than expected to get that position filled in.”

Runarsson is set to be on the bench again at the weekend, as Arsenal take on Sheffield United.

When the 25-year-old does eventually make his debut he will be under pressure to impress, as Emi Martinez looked so stable as Arsenal’s back-up choice last term.