Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has defined why Folarin Balogun has not been used within the latest pre-season friendlies within the US.

Balogun spent final season on a powerful mortgage with Reims and his future is doubtful on the Emirates as he desires to be a first-choice striker, however with Gabriel Jesus holding that spot he has been linked with a transfer to Inter Milan.

Amid the hypothesis, Arteta has claimed that Balogun's absence has been on account of harm. "He was unavailable," the boss stated. "He has a little foot injury and hasn’t been training with us.

"We will see," he said when asked whether the academy product will be part of his plans for the coming season. "First of all he must be match and play minutes."