Fabio Vieira dropped as manager clarifies Arsenal recall rumours | OneFootball

Vitor Bruno has explained why Fabio Vieira was dropped from Porto’s squad to face Boavista on Saturday, denying social media rumours of an Arsenal recall.

Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images

After 17 consecutive appearances for loan side FC Porto, Arsenal midfielder Fabio Vieira was completely absent from their squad to face Boavista this weekend.

It was quickly clarified that Vieira was not injured, leading to plenty of speculation that the 24-year-old could be on his way back to Arsenal. In light of the injuries to Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling, it seemed to make sense.

Alternatively, some Arsenal fans (who haven’t been keeping a close eye on Vieira’s loan) speculated that he might have been dropped for poor match performances. But manager Vitor Bruno clarified that the decision wasn’t for either of those reasons.

Photo via Porto on Twitter

“I have to make decisions, pay close attention to the players’ performance and how they view their day-to-day activities,” Bruno began.

“Fabio is very talented but talent has to be based on a series of pre-conditions. And when one or two of them end up falling apart, it makes everything more difficult.

“He has immense potential and I have a large squad that offers me guarantees, I cannot give up on certain principles that are mine.

“I don’t need to pass on any message. Fabio knows me well and we are counting on him. He will be available to play again next week. So it is a question of making decisions.”

Photo via Porto on Twitter

When questioned more specifically on whether Vieira would be staying at Porto for the second half of the season, Bruno responded: “Of course…Fabio has a lot of talent and will be available next week.”

Vieira had put in some of the best performances of his loan over the last few games, including a couple of goals and an assist in his last six appearances.

But Bruno is evidently unhappy with something behind the scenes, and it seems that was the reason for the player’s absence on Saturday.

From an Arsenal point of view, the club will likely be glad that Porto are taking Vieira’s development so seriously and not simply treating him as a short-term fix to win them a few games.