Nuno Tavares, currently on loan from Arsenal to Olympique de Marseille, seems to be in the hot water once again.

The Portuguese left-back, who had been a promising talent when he joined the French Ligue 1 side, has been sidelined due to an ongoing alleged attitude problem in training.

Montpellier's French defender Christopher Jullien (L) and Marseille's Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares (C) argue during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Olympique Marseille (OM) at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France on January 2, 2023. (Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)
Montpellier’s French defender Christopher Jullien (L) and Marseille’s Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares (C) argue during the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Olympique Marseille (OM) at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France on January 2, 2023. (Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)
  • Nuno Tavares’ attitude problems are causing friction at Marseille.
  • Despite scoring six Ligue 1 goals, Tavares’ defensive deficiencies have made Marseille uninterested in extending his stay.
  • Tavares’ future at Arsenal remains uncertain, with two years left on his contract.

It’s been reported that Igor Tudor, the Croatian manager of Marseille, has had an ongoing clash with Nuno Tavares over the last several weeks.

Marseille's Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the the French L1 football match between Montpellier Herault SC and Olympique de Marseille (OM) at Stade de la Mosson in Montpellier, southern France, on January 2, 2023. (Photo by Pascal GUYOT / AFP) (Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo by PASCAL GUYOT/AFP via Getty Images)

Alongside veteran midfielder Dimitri Payet, Tavares was omitted from the squad for their match against Lille. This has raised questions about his future at both Marseille and Arsenal, as his loan spell nears its conclusion.

Back in April, Tavares was reportedly kicked out of a training session at Marseille due to concerns over his attitude and effort, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his future.

His defensive issues, paired with erratic decision-making, have overshadowed his notable attacking contributions this season, including six Ligue 1 goals.

Marseille's Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares controls the ball during the French L1 football match between Olympique Marseille (OM) and AJ Auxerre at Stade Velodrome in Marseille, southern France on April 30, 2023. (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU / AFP) (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images)
Marseille’s Portuguese defender Nuno Tavares controls the ball during the French L1 football match between Olympique Marseille (OM) and AJ Auxerre at Stade Velodrome in Marseille, southern France on April 30, 2023. (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU / AFP) (Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU/AFP via Getty Images)

His struggles have led to comparisons with fellow loanee Issa Kaboré from Manchester City, who has been impressing with his performances and attitude during his loan spell at the French club.

The situation casts a cloud over Tavares’ potential return to Arsenal, where he has two years remaining on his contract. The London club now faces a decision on whether to recall the 23-year-old full-back, or seek to move him on to another club.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Nuno Tavares of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Watford at Emirates Stadium on November 07, 2021. (Photo by Richard Heathcote / Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND: Nuno Tavares of Arsenal in action during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Watford at Emirates Stadium on November 07, 2021. (Photo by Richard Heathcote / Getty Images)

In recent times, Arsenal have been praised for their handling of young talent, particularly players out on loan.

The successful stint of William Saliba, also at Marseille, is a perfect example of this.

Marseille's French defender William Saliba looks on during the UEFA Europa Conference League match between Basel and Marseille (OM) at the St. Jakob-Park Stadium in Basel, northern Switzerland, on March 17, 2022. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)
Marseille’s French defender William Saliba looks on during the UEFA Europa Conference League match between Basel and Marseille (OM) at the St. Jakob-Park Stadium in Basel, northern Switzerland, on March 17, 2022. (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)

However, the case of Tavares poses a different set of challenges for the Gunners, and how they respond could set a precedent for future loan arrangements.

As the end of the season looms, Tavares’ next move remains uncertain.

Whether he’ll return to Arsenal or find a new club, only time will tell. But one thing is certain – his current situation at Marseille will undoubtedly influence the path of his footballing career.

Marseille lost the game, leaving them in third place where they are likely to finish barring a late-season turnaround.

Tavares and Payet were expected to rejoin the collective training sessions starting Monday, with no additional sanctions planned outside of the sporting context.

The disciplinary actions taken and subsequent resolution are reportedly being managed by Tudor.