Arsenal Players Struck With Food Poisoning During Preseason In China

Only 22 more sleeps until the Premier League is back in all its glory and preseason seems to be going well – well, at least for some teams. Arsenal is currently in China, no doubt planning to regain their desired fourth place finish, and they seem to be off to a grand start. In fact, the Gunners have already beaten Bayern Munich in a nail biting, penalty ending match.

However, it seems as though good luck is ever evading the once invincible team. According to ESPN, Wenger confessed that food poisoning was sweeping through Arsenal camp on their preseason tour to China, and admitted that the extensive travelling to different climates isn’t “ideal physically” for the players.

Per Mertesacker and Olivier Giroud were both notably absent during Wednesday’s  victory over Bayern Munich because of illness, with the German centre back pulling out only minutes before kick off. Gooners were unable to see everything new signing Sead Kolasinac was capable of as he had to come off before the break. Second-half substitutes Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey also finished the match feeling unwell.

It seems as though Arsene Wenger is not a fan of travelling through the changing climates, from winter in Australia, to 37-degree heat in China. With key players missing matches, Wenger admitted that it isn’t “ideal physical preparation” for the season ahead.

Arsenal’s next challenge is in Beijing against the current EPL champions, Chelsea, and we’re sure Wenger will be hoping to have a full strength team playing. Although, regardless of the result, Wenger will be sure to say that it’s not a precedent for the next season!

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Representational Image: David Gray/Reuters