When Arsenal’s squad for their game against Chelsea on Saturday was announced there were a few absentees, but while we know where Aaron Ramsdale was, where was Fabio Vieira?

Arsenal's Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira celebrates after scoring the final penalty in the shoot-out after the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023. Arsenal won after a 4-1 penalty shoot-out win, following the 1-1 draw in 90 minutes. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira celebrates after scoring the final penalty in the shoot-out after the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023. Arsenal won after a 4-1 penalty shoot-out win, following the 1-1 draw in 90 minutes. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Aaron Ramsdale was missing from the Arsenal squad for their draw with Chelsea because his wife was giving birth to their son.

We know this because Arsenal explained it shortly after they announced their squad for the game.

About Vieira, however, they said nothing, which seems to indicate that it was a tactical decision by Mikel Arteta to drop him from the squad.

Vieira, who cost Arsenal £34m from FC Porto in July 2022, has been a consistent presence  in the squad this season, so his absence was notable.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news

Until the match against Chelsea, he had featured in every squad for the Premier League in 23/23. He has started twice and come off the bench three times.

It was also noted by some in the media that Vieira was not selected for international duty by Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, which apparently heightened the mystery around his absence from the Chelsea game.

Arsenal's Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira scores the final penalty in the shoot-out during the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023. Arsenal won after a 4-1 penalty shoot-out win, following the 1-1 draw in 90 minutes. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s Portuguese midfielder Fabio Vieira scores the final penalty in the shoot-out during the English FA Community Shield football match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium, in London, August 6, 2023. Arsenal won after a 4-1 penalty shoot-out win, following the 1-1 draw in 90 minutes. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

In reality, Vieira has yet to win his first full international cap for his country so his selection was always highly unlikely given his lack of minutes at Arsenal.

Reporter Kaya Kaynak stated there was “no injury for Fabio Vieira who is out of the squad today.”

The lack of official communication regarding Vieira’s absence has led to speculation.

However, sources close to the club back Kaynak’s information and have indicated that Vieira is fit and was merely left out due to a managerial decision by Mikel Arteta.

Since joining Arsenal, Vieira has played 41 times, clocking up a total of 1,679 minutes.

He has scored two goals and assisted eight.

Latest Arsenal injury updates and news