Arsenal outcast Cedric Soares has remained at the club following the closure of the transfer window, and has now spoken out about his lack of playing time.
The defender was a surprise inclusion in Arsenal’s Champions League squad, indicating that he is set to stay at the club until January at least, and he could even play a part.
With Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey injured, Cedric is currently Arsenal’s third-choice right-back and fourth-choice left-back, and as the Champions League fixtures start to pile up, he may start to appear more, having failed to make a single matchday squad this season.
Cedric has remained defiant over his importance within the squad, claiming that even those who aren’t playing need to be pulling their weight.
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“We’re very supportive of each other, we’re a family, even when we’re not playing,” he told DAZN Portugal, in quotes via The Evening Standard.
“Everyone wants to play and I also always really want to play, that’s what makes me competitive in football.
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“It’s what gets me to training every day with that determination, but also to realise that we have to contribute, even if we’re not in the squad sometimes.
“That is the aspect I think I developed a lot at Arsenal. Sometimes you have to work for the group and not focus so much on yourself individually.”
Cedric’s professionalism
Although he has not been the best performer on the pitch, the veteran has been a solid professional off it, often playing in under-21 games and helping coach some of the academy players.
Nevertheless, a move failed to materialise this summer when he should arguably have departed. He has failed to make a matchday squad this season, but is now in the squad as an emergency backup.
If Arsenal find themselves in a position where they are relying on Cedric as cover in the back line, questions will be raised over whether they should have let other defenders leave this summer without bringing in another option.
Cedric has now found himself back in the squad, and whilst he can play a part in the dressing room, Mikel Arteta will hope that he is not needed in the Premier League or Champions League.