Wigan Athletic manager explains why Arsenal loanee Azeez is out in the cold

Wigan Athletic manager Shaun Maloney has revealed why Arsenal loanee Miguel Azeez is currently out of favour at the DW Stadium.

The England youth international of Spanish and Nigerian descent joined the Latics on loan last month after cutting short his loan spell at UD Ibiza.

Azeez was ruled out of Wigan's trip to Blackburn Rovers on February 6 because he was serving a one-match suspension, before missing three consecutive matches against  Huddersfield Town, Bristol City and Norwich City. 

The central midfielder's spell in the cold has coincided with the sacking of legendary Gunners central defender Kolo Toure, who was at the helm when the Anglo-Nigerian joined Wigan Athletic. 

Maloney hinted that Max Power and Christ Tiehi are ahead of Azeez in his pecking order of central midfielders and the Arsenal loanee has to shape--up to force his way into the starting lineup.

"Miguel is competing to be in the squad," Maloney said to Wigan Today.

"It's just in that position, I've been really pleased with Max Power’s performances, and his understanding of that position.

"You can see the fans are starting to see and starting to understand that as well.

"We've also got Christ (Tiehi), and Tom Naylor, who have also done well and, when players do that, I have to stick with them.

"Miguel has to train hard, be a good team-mate and fight for his spot in the 18."

Azeez has not received a call-up for an Arsenal first team game since April 23, 2022 when he was an unused substitute in a Premier League match against Manchester United. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

Photo Credit : arsenal.com

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