Mikel Arteta has revealed has missed the club’s last two fixtures due to a foot injury.
The American striker hasn’t featured in games against or Barcelona, despite doing so against the MLS All Stars at the start of the Gunners’ tour.
Balogun has been training alone since that game in Washington, leading to speculation that it’s due to an impending exit from the club.
The striker spent last season on loan at Reims, where he scored 22 goals for the Ligue 1 side.
He’s made it clear that he’s only willing to remain at the Emirates this term if he’s given assurances over playing time, which is unlikely given Arteta has Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah to choose from.
But Arteta insists Balogun has been injured, and says he will make a decision on his future once he returns to fitness.
‘He wasn’t available – he had a little foot injury,’ said Arteta.
‘He hasn’t been training with us, and he wasn’t available to us, that was the reason.
Pressed on whether Balogun will remain at the club, Arteta was reluctant to confirm either way.
‘Yes, we will have to see,’ said Arteta.
‘First of all, he has to be fit and available to play minutes.’
Arsenal are said to value Balogun at £50m, with Inter Milan and AC Milan interested in the striker.
The Gunners could be tempted to cash in on Balogun given their £200m outlay on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber so far this summer.
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