Arsenal fitness coach Tony Colbert left unclear on role after Arsene Wenger's backroom staff are reshuffled

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Arsenal fitness coach Tony Colbert’s role within Arsene Wenger's backroom team is unclear after he was shifted sideways as part of a coaching reshuffle.

As Sportsmail revealed earlier this year, Colbert’s position was under threat as part of proposed changes to the club’s coaching network.

Colbert is one of manager Wenger’s long-term allies at the north London club.

Arsenal fitness coach Tony Colbert’s role within Arsene Wenger's backroom team is unclear

And the long-serving coach, while keeping his job at the Emirates, has seen his position change significantly.

Sportsmail understands Colbert has been relieved of his duties as fitness coach and has joined the technical team.

Colbert has played a lead role during daily training sessions under Wenger, but his level of involvement could now lessen in the new role.

The move comes after the appointment of former Liverpool head of fitness Darren Burgess.

Colbert has not lost his job within Arsene Wenger's backroom staff, but has moved sideways

The Australian will oversee the club’s fitness and medical department.

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis is likely to be asked about changes to the club’s football operation at Thursday night’s potentially fiery meeting with fans groups.

A large number of fans were left angered after Wenger signed a new two-year contract last month.

Disgruntled fans were promised a summer of change. However, Wenger has remained as boss and his long-serving coaches have kept their jobs.

Colbert’s role does represent a degree of change to the club’s coaching set-up - but that alone is unlikely to have appeased fans who believe Arsenal’s backroom team is need of a shake-up.

Colbert has played a lead role during daily training sessions under Wenger but this will change