The sight of a brand new signing in a protective boot is hardly the image Arsenal supporters want to see with the start of the new season just under a month away.
But this is the case after a rather worrying image of Fabio Vieira emerged on Instagram, as per leaked lineups, thus prompting cause for concern that the attacking midfielder has suffered an injury just days before he is due to join up with his new teammates for pre-season training.
Well, that's not entirely the case as whilst the 22-year-old is indeed carrying a knock, it's not a fresh one. Rather one he sustained at the beginning of last month whilst in action for the Portugal U21's as it was confirmed that he picked up an injury to his left foot in the 5-1 win over Belarus.
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Speaking about the injury at the time, head coach Rui Jorge wasn't sure how serious the problem was - although he had to make do without Fabio Vieira for subsequent games against Liechtenstein and Greece: "I have no idea, he received a blow to his foot, he will have to do the normal exam and we will quickly give information," he said, as per Ojogo.
It would appear that the injury is serious enough for the midfielder to still be in a protective boot almost a month since he limped off against Belarus, but it would appear it's just a precaution as there doesn't seem to have been an issue with his medical prior to sealing a move to Arsenal.
Now it remains to be seen if Vieira will be passed fit to take part in training alongside the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Martinelli next week or if he will be included in the squad that travels out to Germany for a pre-season training camp and fixture against FC Nurnberg on July 8 at the Max-Morlock Stadion.
Once fully fit, Arsenal supporters will be keen to get a glimpse of their £34m summer signing as the view from Portugal is that the Gunners have recruited a huge talent: "I think it’s a really exciting signing for Arsenal," Tom Kundert of Portugoal.net told Arsenal.com. "Without a doubt he’s one of Portugal’s most promising, up and coming talents.
"He’s very stylish, an extremely smooth operator. In terms of players currently in the Premier League, I’d say he’s similar in style to Bruno Fernandes. Even his physique is similar in a way. He’s a really, really potent attacking weapon. For me the thing that makes him stand out as a star is his vision.
"He is a fantastic passer. He’s one of those players who can spot a pass and you think ‘My god. I didn’t even see that from up in the stands. How did he manage to pick that out?!’ He’s really incisive in the final third, and he’s got goals in him as well.
"He's coming off a really good season, his best so far and his first where he has been a regular in the Porto side, who won the league. He contributed significantly to that. If I was an Arsenal fan, I’d be delighted, and here in Portugal, as fans of Portuguese football, we’re excited to see how he does at this stage of his career."
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