Arsenal's injury woes drive fitness overhaul with Braga hire

Arsenal Football Club announced on 4 July 2026 that Antonio Gómez has joined as fitness coach, part of a continuing backroom rebuild after several injury‑laden seasons. The appointment follows a wider overhaul of Arsenal’s performance structure aimed at reducing player absences. Gómez arrives from Portuguese side Braga, where he worked under Carlos Vicens.

Arsenal’s recent campaigns have been marked by frequent injuries, prompting a strategic shift toward fresh fitness expertise. The club has been reshaping its medical and performance departments to address the gap left by recurring fitness setbacks. Bringing in a coach from a club that has managed its own injury challenges was seen as a direct response to this need.

Gómez left his role at Braga, where he was a key member of Vicens’ coaching staff, to take up the Arsenal position. Braga filled his vacancy with Ramiro Marín, who arrived after a season as fitness coach for Barça Atlètic, Barcelona’s reserve team. The swap highlights both clubs’ commitment to maintaining high‑performance standards.

In parallel, Arsenal hired Portuguese sports‑medicine specialist Arnaldo Abrantes as the new club doctor and head of sports medicine. Abrantes departs Aston Villa, where he headed medical services, and is expected to start this month, replacing Dr Zafar Iqbal, who was removed after the Champions League final. Two of Abrantes’ former Villa colleagues, both physios, have also joined Arsenal in recent months.

Further strengthening the medical side, Eneko Angulo left Real Betis after twelve years to become a senior rehabilitation figure at Arsenal. Simon Murphy, who joined Arsenal in 2021 from Leicester City, was promoted to head physio, succeeding Jordan Reece, who has moved to Manchester United. Meanwhile, long‑time head of sports science Tom Allen is exiting, and lead physical performance coach Sam Wilson appears set for a move to Juventus.

The incoming staff will need to integrate quickly with existing structures, including consultant Joaquín Acedo, a long‑time acquaintance of manager Mikel Arteta, who will continue in a consultancy role. Their collective task is to translate the extensive backroom changes into fewer injuries and a more resilient squad. Obstacles include aligning new methodologies with the club’s existing culture and ensuring continuity during the transition.