Cedric Soares has admitted he’s disappointed that he hasn’t played more for Arsenal this season, but he’ll be ready when called upon.
Cedric Soares is yet to play a minute for Arsenal this season, despite making the squad on a number of occasions.
The right-back did have an injury setback to contend with, ruling him out for around a month between September and October. But he hasn’t returned to the pitch since then, even in light of the Gunners’ injury situation at full-back.
Kieran Tierney had an injury scare in September, and Oleksandr Zinchenko has missed quite a few games, forcing Takehiro Tomiyasu over to the left-hand side to provide cover. Yet that hasn’t led to Cedric getting any minutes at right-back.
“Of course, I am disappointed that I have not played yet this season,” Cedric said.
“I believe since I arrived at Arsenal I have been giving positive answers on the pitch every time I had the chance to play.
“I have been working hard every day, as this is the only way I know to get where you want to be.
“Of course, I want to play and I want to help the team to win and achieve its goals and I will grab the opportunity when I get it. I feel I am in great shape and I am always 100 percent ready to help the team.”
“I will always remain totally committed and I’ll be ready whenever I’m needed,” Cedric added.
“I like to help the team in any way I can on and off the pitch and that’s important to me. Challenges are part of football and we have to understand that.”
The competition for places is only likely to increase when Zinchenko returns, with Tomiyasu presumably set to switch back to right-back when that happens. If Cedric isn’t getting any minutes now, it’s difficult to see how he breaks in.
But perhaps the next few weeks could hand him an opportunity. If Arsenal can secure first place in their Europa League group next Thursday, Mikel Arteta will be more willing to give chances to his fringe players.
“He had a recurring injury and now he’s fit, and he’s a player who deserves to play,” Arteta admitted this week. “I want to give him the minutes because he deserves that.”