David Luiz Hits Ceballos On Nose in Arsenal Training Session Fight

The international break proved challenging for many clubs, not least Arsenal. Mohamed Elneny and Sead Kolasinac tested positive for COVID-19, several players were used by their countries more than the Gunners would have liked, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang slept on the floor of an airport and Willian courted controversy with a trip to Dubai despite the national lockdown.

But for all the problems that occurred further afield, there have also been complications on their doorstep. Arsenal fell to a heavy defeat by Aston Villa in their final game before the pause in Premier League fixtures and it appears that tensions spilled into training the following week.

Those who were not away with their national sides took part in a practice match last Friday and The Athletic has learned that as manager Mikel Arteta blew the final whistle, David Luiz took exception to a challenge by Dani Ceballos and retaliated by hitting him in the face, a scratch drawing some blood.