Add as preferred source on Google

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has claimed that Cedric Soares has perhaps been a “little bit unfortunate” not to play more lately.

Cedric, who earns £75,000-a-week (Spotrac), is a full-back that ended up joining the Gunners on a permanent basis from Southampton after an initial loan.

The 29-year-old defender was signed to provide some strength in depth at the back, and he’s competition for Hector Bellerin and Calum Chambers at right-back.

Additionally, he’s slotted in as cover at left-back too when needed due to his versatility.

However, despite the fact Kieran Tierney has been sidelined lately through injury, midfielder Grant Xhaka has got the nod as an emergency left-back in the starting XI.

Portugal international Cedric has spent plenty of time on the sidelines recently, with some fans asking for him to be used more.

Gunners manager Arteta delivered his verdict when asked about Cedric’s minutes in his Thursday press conference.

“Well, he’s been a little bit unfortunate because he played some good games as a right back as well. And then we had the injury to Kieran [Tierney] and he played some at left back. We were changing the left back and it’s true that we could have given him some more opportunities. It’s true that Calum [Chambers] came on as well and did really well,” Arteta said, as quoted by Football London.

TBR’s View:

If you look at how some of Arsenal’s defenders have performed at stages of the season, Cedric has arguably been one of the stronger performers at the Emirates Stadium.

He’s played 24 games across all competitions, and has surely been frustrated about his recent omission from the XI during Tierney’s absence.

The experienced defender is not someone quite at the level needed if Arsenal are to really kick onwards up to the top end of the table, but he’s a great squad option that has perhaps been harshly treated in the last month by Arteta.