Arsenal's top sports doctor Dr Zafar Iqbal leaving club in 2026

Arsenal's head of sports medicine Dr Zafar Iqbal is departing after two seasons at the club.

Medical chief departure announced Dr Zafar Iqbal, Arsenal's head of sports medicine, will leave the club after spending two years in the role. Efforts to find his successor have already begun, according to sources familiar with the situation. The decision was communicated to Iqbal during a meeting last week, following Arsenal's Champions League final defeat to Paris St-Germain. His departure comes shortly after he joined Emirates Stadium in 2024, taking over from Gary O'Driscoll, who moved to Manchester United. ## Experienced doctor's football background Before arriving at Arsenal, Dr Zafar Iqbal worked with Crystal Palace and Liverpool, earning widespread respect across the football industry. His exit has caught many by surprise, though some staff members had noticed growing uncertainty about his position in recent weeks. The circumstances behind his departure remain unclear, but Arsenal's squad faced several significant injury setbacks throughout the season. ## Club's injury challenges noted Sources indicate Arsenal dealt with multiple key injury issues during the campaign. The club has already initiated steps to identify a replacement for Iqbal, who was a highly regarded figure in football medicine. His absence will create a void, given his established reputation and prior experience at top-level clubs.