Arsenal boss Arteta explains lack of minutes for Pepe

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained the lack of minutes this season for Nicolas Pepe.

The 26-year-old finished last season in good form, scoring five goals in as many games, but has slipped down the pecking order this campaign, contributing just one goal and three assists so far.

He has been used just twice off the bench since recording an assist in the 2-0 win over Leeds United on October 26.

Arteta claims the treatment is nothing personal and says that the Gunners' lack of involvement in European competitions this season is to blame.

“It's with all the players that they are not having enough minutes," he said.

“Obviously with the amount of games we have are having, there's not enough room for all those players.

“With Nico's situation it's something similar. I've highlighted on many occasions it's because of what I see every day. That's with Nico as well.

“But he needs more opportunities to show what he can do and in the last few games, he hasn't had them."