Done Deal – World Cup WINNER Joins Arsenal, Truly WORLD CLASS Signing

Arsenal have confirmed that World Cup-winning physios, Barry Solan and James Haycock have joined their medical department.

Having signed Petr Cech to put an end to errors behind the sticks, the Gunners are putting every thing in place in order to ensure there won’t be any excuses for not winning the title next season.

The 2014/15 FA Cup winners “have now signed two fitness coaches to put an end to all those injury
problems” (Metro).

Over the years, injuries, loss of form or fitness have been said to be reasons Arsenal have not won a Premier League title since 2004, or mount a serious challenge in Europe since 2005/06 when they reached the Champions League final.

Several Arsenal players have suffered horrific, career-threatening injuries at crucial stages of the season, thereby making their key men miss huge chunks of the season and costing them dearly.

Robin Van Persie’s many injuries is one of those. The Dutchman’s only injury-free season was his best for the north London club, and he left for Man United afterwards. Also in February 2008, Eduardo suffered a “horrific leg injury” against Birmingham city, which was similar to that of Aaron Ramsey against Stoke City in February 2010 (via Gooners Den).

A more recent example is Abou Diaby, who made only a Cup appearance for the Gunners last term. The French midfielder has suffered series of injuries since joining the club in 2010. This led to his release in June this year.

These, amongst others have always led the Arsenal fans to think what would have been if their key players had not suffered such fates.

Arsene Wenger has probably been thinking of that too, with his decision to add Solan and Haycock to the team’s medical department.

Solan – an Irish conditioning coach – was part of the German World Cup winning team, while Haycock is Head of Medical at Huddersfield town. Both men are expected to add their wealth of experiences to curb Arsenal’s injury crises.

Although injuries are inevitable in football, but if players are going to get injured it should be minor ones. Long term injuries could happen, but once in a blue moon.

The Gunners will be hoping these new arrivals – Solan and Haycock – together with the other staff of the medical department will help in making their players spend more time on the field of play and not the treatment room.