Arsene Wenger Reveals Food Poisoning Has Spread Through Arsenal's Pre-Season Camp
Arsene Wenger has revealed that Arsenal - currently in China for their pre-season preparations - have succumbed to a wave of food poisoning which has swept throughout the squad.
Following a trip around the world to Australia the Gunners have recently landed in China for their next pre-season fixtures, and following their victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday Wenger disclosed that the illness has claimed a number of his players.
ESPN's Arsenal correspondent, Mattias Karen, has reported that Per Mertesacker, Sead Kolašinac, Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey have all been affected by food poisoning.
Mertesacker and Olivier Giroud did not take part in any of the Gunners 1-1 draw against Bayern Munich - which they won on penalties - whilst Kolasinac was forced off in the first-half after throwing up on the pitch.
Arsenal players react after winning the penalty shootout during the International Champions Cup football match between Bayern Munich and Arsenal in Shanghai on July 19, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Johannes EISELE (Photo credit should read JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images)
JOHANNES EISELE/GettyImages
The Daily Mail released quotes from Wenger following the clash in Shanghai, he said: "We have a virus in the camp. The doctor thinks it is food poisoning.
"Mertesacker and Giroud were sick. Kolasinac was sick. Theo Walcott and Aaron have had a little bit of food poisoning as well. I don't know what they ate.
The Gunners boss admitted that travelling to different climates may have played a role, he added: "It was a shock to come from Australia where we were freezing.
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"We decided to work very hard on Monday and Tuesday and so I was a bit scared that we could have big problems."
With players missing in action due to the bout, Wenger admitted it isn't "ideal physical preparation" for the season ahead.
The Gunners will now make their way to Beijing to face Premier League rivals Chelsea.
