Arsenal head of sports science Tom Allen departs in backroom shake-up

Arsenal head of sports science and performance Tom Allen is leaving the club, becoming the third member of the first-team backroom staff to depart this summer. Allen, who joined from Aston Villa in 2017, oversaw sports science, physical output, nutrition and performance support for the senior squad.

His exit follows that of head of medical Dr Zaf Iqbal and lead performance coach Sam Wilson, coming just weeks after Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title. The departures are part of a wider review of the club's medical and performance department, which has been heavily influenced by external consultant Joaquin Acedo.

Acedo, a medical expert who previously worked with manager Mikel Arteta at Everton, has been brought in to assess the club's setup. Sources indicate his recommendations have driven the recent changes, as Arsenal look to address injury issues that plagued their title-winning campaign.

Backroom shake-up

• Tom Allen had been at Arsenal since 2017, joining from Aston Villa.
• Head of medical Dr Zaf Iqbal and lead performance coach Sam Wilson have also left.
• The departures occur after Arsenal's first Premier League title in 22 years.
• The club suffered significant injury problems last season, with key players missing extended periods.
• External consultant Joaquin Acedo, a former colleague of Mikel Arteta at Everton, has played a key role in the review.

With the new season approaching, Arsenal are expected to announce replacements for the departed staff in the coming weeks. The club will aim to maintain their title-winning form while improving player availability through a revamped performance structure.