Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe has withdrawn from international duties with Ivory Coast to focus on his fitness, reports have indicated. Th 24-year-old winger left camp after revealing to the his team officials that he was not in the best of shape to feature in their upcoming clashes.
Pepe, who featured in last Sunday's 2-2 draw with Tottenham, quickly joined his international teammates in Deauville, France but was amiss in the Elephants' won 2-1 against Benin. According to Metro UK, the former Lille star reported an injury to the officials and was immediately released to return back to London to continue treatment.
"Nicolas Pepe, injured in his club, came to report his injury on Wednesday late afternoon.
"As reinforcement, the coach has invited Bagayoko Mamadou," read the FA statement.
Pepe has endured a mixed stint in the English Premier League since his mega-money move from the Ligue 1. The 24-year-old winger who is expected to form a lethal front-three partnership with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, is yet to register a goal in four league outings.
In effect, concerns are growing among the fanbase of the Gunners who are anticipating immediate returns from the club's biggest investment. With the latest development, Pepe joins full-backs Hector Bellerin and Kieran Tierney on the treatment table.
