Nigeria and Arsenal forward, Alex Iwobi, will miss the Gunners’ last pre-season friendly against Spanish champions, Barcelona, when both sides meet in the Gamper Trophy at the Nou Camp on Sunday.
Iwobi will be unavailable for selection when the Gunners face the Blaugrana in the annual match hosted by the Catalan based outfit in honour of Joan Gamper, a founding member, player, and later president of the club.
The 23-year-old was an important figure for Nigeria at the just-concluded Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt where he helped the Super Eagles to a third-placed finish.
Following his exploits at AFCON, the club gave the Nigerian international and other stars who had been on international duty a three-week vacation.
As a result of the extended leave, the Eagles star missed the clubs’ five friendly matches against Bayern Munich, Fiorentina, Angers, Real Madrid and Lyon and is set to miss out in Arsenal’s final pre-season game against Barcelona.
Iwobi is reportedly not expected back at London Colney-the Gunners training ground- until next week.