"Why I Did Not Start David Luiz" - Mikel Arteta Unsure If David Luiz Will Play For Arsenal Again

Arsenal Fc Boss, Mikel Arteta has revealed why he choose to start Pablo Mari ahead of David Luiz in their clash against Manchester City. A match that ended 3-0 in favor of the city, after a woeful display by the former Chelsea star.

The Brazil international who was initially named on the bench for the clash with Manchester City may not play again for Arsenal, according to the club's manager.

Arteta said that the center-back future at the club is in doubt due to the club's financial situation 

An injury to Pablo Mari is just 20min after kickoff led to the introduction of David Luiz. 

Raheem Sterling capitalized on his defensive error to score the opening goal of the match. He did not last too much longer after the interval, a foul on Riyad Mahrez leading to a red card.

Speaking to the media, the former Chelsea defender whose contract expires in June apologized to the fans and his teammates for a disappointing display.

Asked if the 33-year-old will feature again for the Gunners?

Arteta said: 

"I don't know.

"He's very open, he's a man, he's a leader and I was sure he was going to speak in front of everybody. You hear what he said, he was very direct with us too.

"That's what I value from him, that's what I like from him, but a least we need to be fair on him.

"Me personally, I'm going to defend him with everything I have because I believe in him. He has shown me a lot of things in this time and his career speaks for itself."

With the Coronavirus pandemic and the economy in mind, Arteta acknowledged that it will be difficult to keep David Luiz at the Emirate Stadium beyond is contract date.

"We cannot forget the financial situation. With COVID-19 and the economy in general, it's going to have an impact.

"What the club is doing at the moment is assess the situation and try to clarify a lot of uncertainties we have in the future and we have to make big decisions.

"But time-wise it's difficult to fit them in our needs. We are trying our best, the club is trying their best and it's difficult because it puts the player or our sporting necessities in a difficult situation but again, we have to adapt.

"It's what it is and that's why I wanted to protect David yesterday, that's why I didn't start him but it's a funny game, after 20 minutes you need him and he's a player who has been with a lot of uncertainty in the last few weeks," the Spaniard said.

Arsenal's defeat to City leaves them in danger of qualifying for next season's Champions League football, as they sit 9th in the Premier League table, eight points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with nine games remaining.