Almunia coping with family tragedy

It's been reported that first choice goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has been coping with a deep family tragedy in recent weeks, and this may be the reason why the Spaniard has not featured in the side lately.

The press were led to believe that Almunia was suffering from a chest infection and thus was unavailable for selection, but many were wondering why it was taking so long for the infection to clear when there was still no sign of the 32-year-old.

Almunia was on the substitute's bench in the match against West Ham, prompting speculation that the Arsenal number one had indeed lost his place in the side.

But it's now been revealed that this entire episode has been a piece of good man-management by manager Arsène Wenger, who allowed Almunia the time to cope with the loss of his mother-in-law in a car crash six weeks ago.

Although the 32-year-old (right) showed professionalism and stuck to his training schedule, Wenger decided Almunia should be given time to deal with the tragedy and left him out of the first team line-up.

Almunia was eventually restored to the side for yesterday's North London derby.

User Comments

User Comments

• Got something to say?
• Read comments

Vs chelsea