Charlie Nicholas fears Matteo Guendouzi is unlikely to feature prominently under Mikel Arteta, unless the young France international ‘sorts himself out’.
Arsenal enjoyed the most emphatic win of Arteta’s short tenure on Sunday as a second half blitz accounted for Steve Bruce’s obdurate Newcastle side, with the Gunners running out convincing 4-0 winners.
Guendouzi was, however, conspicuous by his absence having reportedly been axed from the squad following a bust-up which is said to have occurred during Arsenal’s warm weather training camp in Dubai.
The 20-year-old was a mainstay of the team under Unai Emery following his arrival from Lorient, but has started only twice under Arteta and Nicholas believes Guendouzi will face an extended spell on the sidelines, unless he has a change of attitude.
‘Some young players are playing well,’ Nicholas told Sky Sports. ‘It was harsh on Gabriel Martinelli to miss out, and Mateo Guendouzi has done well, but he is not moving on at the minute.
‘He has upset Arteta, who wants him fit and he will not be there until he sorts himself out.’
Arsenal resume their European campaign, meanwhile on Thursday against Olympiacos and although Nicholas was encouraged by his old side’s performance against Newcastle, he is yet to be convinced by a defence which has kept back-to-back clean sheets.
‘I am not getting carried away after the weekend win over Newcastle,’ he added. ‘You can genuinely feel, even with Mikel Arteta’s second win, that they are becoming dogged and a better all-round side.
‘He is prepared to look at other players. If a team were to benefit from the winter break, it would have been Arsenal; they needed it.
‘The draws were becoming a concern, as was the league position. The fans have liked what they have seen, and quite like the unity, but that is something they have been disguising for a while.
‘He has told them a few home truths, some have accepted more than others, like Mesut Ozil, who seems to be on the up again.
‘Olympiacos won well at the weekend so we could be in for a good game. It is more promising for Arsenal that is for sure, but the clean sheets won’t keep coming, I don’t think.’
MORE: Arsenal legend Arsene Wenger reacts to Man City’s Champions League ban
MORE: Alexandre Lacazette sends message to Arsenal fans over record signing Nicolas Pepe
