Mikel Arteta reveals frustration with current Arsenal starting XI

Mikel Arteta says he will not accept losing his place to Francis Coquelin

MIKEL ARTETA has admitted he's not happy being second choice behind Francis Coquelin.

 

The Arsenal captain has become a fringe player for the Gunners following a lengthy spell on the sidelines last season.

The former Everton man was out for most of the year after surgery on his ankle, and Coquelin seized the opportunity.

The Frenchman was recalled from a loan spell with Championship side Charlton and hasn't looked back since, cementing himself in the starting XI.

 

The 24-year-old has made 11 appearances this term in all competitions, and Arteta admits it's a situation he won't 'accept'.

"I suffered a knock in the game against Leicester but it was nothing," he told IBTimes UK.

"I was almost ready to play against Manchester United and the international break has helped me to recover completely.

 

"I was eight, nine months out of action last season after a complicated surgery on the ankle but I have managed to turn the situation around. 

"I feel fine but I know that after that I was going to have more time. You know that at certain age this comes.

It's not something that I'm going to accept

Mikel Arteta

"I accept it with all naturalness, trying to help with a secondary role but also be important."

However, when asked about Coquelin taking his place, he replied: "It's not something that I'm going to accept. 

"I understand and respect that but I do not accept it because it goes against my principles so I try to take my chances to play more."