MX23RW : Friday, March 26 02:43:35| >> :120:10007:10007:

Nicolas Pepe returns to Arsenal with injury

The 24-year-old did not get a full pre-season behind him.

Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe has left the Ivory Coast training camp after reporting an injury, according to the nation's football federation.

The Gunners' club-record signing played the full 90 minutes of the 2-2 Premier League draw against Tottenham on September 1 before heading off on international duty.

In a squad update on the Ivorian Football Federation ahead of the friendly matches against Benin and Tunisia, the governing body said: "Nicolas Pepe, injured with his club, came in to declare it late on Wednesday afternoon.

"As a reinforcement, the coach appealed to Bagayoko Mamadou."

Pepe is reported to have now returned to Arsenal's London Colney base, where he will continue to work on his fitness ahead of the Premier League match at Watford on September 15.

The forward, 24, did not get a full pre-season behind him after playing at the Africa Cup of Nations before joining the Gunners in a £72million deal from Lille on August 1.

It has been suggested an agreement had been reached between the Ivorian Football Federation and Arsenal that Pepe would join up with the Elephants squad in Deauville, but was scheduled to resume his fitness work back at the club rather than play in the friendly matches.

Arsenal have been contacted for comment by the PA news agency.

ID:370582: cacheID:370582:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2267:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans in action against Tottenham on February 10, 2019
Read Next:
Tielemans 'flattered by Arsenal, Man United interest'
>
Latest Sports Video
Read more about Nicolas Pepe Football

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City30225364214371
2Manchester UnitedMan Utd29169456322457
3Leicester CityLeicester29175753322156
4Chelsea29149644251951
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham29147845351049
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs29146949301948
7Liverpool29137948361246
8Everton28144104037346
9Arsenal29126114032842
10Aston Villa28125113930941
11Leeds UnitedLeeds29123144547-239
12Crystal Palace29107123147-1637
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2998122838-1035
14Southampton2996143651-1533
15Burnley2989122237-1533
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton29711113236-432
17Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2977152848-2028
18Fulham30511142338-1526
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2939172057-3718
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2942231650-3414

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!