Unai Emery Uncertain About Cech Future

By Max Wise

Arsenal manager Unai Emery has cast doubt on the future of Czech international goalkeeper Petr Cech with the former Chelsea shot-stopper struggling for game time at the Premier League club.

Cech began the season as Arsenal’s first choice goalkeeper, however, a hamstring injury sustained in September saw summer acquisition Bernd Leno take his place between the sticks.

The 36-year-old has been unable to dislodge Leno as Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper following his return from injury, and with his current contract expiring at the end of the season, Emery is still unsure what the future holds for Cech.

Cech is set to start Arsenal’s FA Cup game against Blackpool on Saturday, but when quizzed by reporters about the former Rennes goalkeeper’s future, Emery replied: “I don’t know."

"This is a question for the club and the player to deal with our necessary things with the goalkeeper."

"But when he played at the start of the season, he did very well. He was very good behaviour, commitment, and performance. Then when he had the injury, Leno started playing with a big performance also and then he recovered his position on the bench."

"But, I am happy with him. In a situation like this, we will speak with the player and with the club, but at the moment, I want his focus the same, each training, each match."

"He is going to play Saturday to give us his performance and then we are going to decide also within what is the best for him and for the club."

Cech, who holds the record for the goalkeeper with most Premier League clean sheets, joined Arsenal from Chelsea in the summer of 2015 and has won one FA Cup in his time at the club.