Arsenal interim head coach Freddie Ljungberg insists Nicolas Pepe is not suffering from a crisis of confidence.

Pepe arrived at Arsenal in the summer from Lille as part of a club-record deal worth £72million and big things were expected of him.

The Ivorian, however, has failed to deliver the goods so far in north London and he has just three goals to his name this season.

Pepe was overlooked by Ljungberg for his first match in charge on Sunday at Norwich and remained an unused substitute for the entire 90 minutes of the 2-2 draw.

It sparked speculation the winger was perhaps being kept out of the firing line due to a lack of self-belief.

But when asked if he thinks Pepe is suffering from a crisis of confidence, Ljungberg replied: “No I don’t. I just think it’s a new country and a new way of playing.

“I’m going to have a little chat with him about what I expect and how I want to play.

“Nico is someone who is a very, very good player but sometimes when you come from a different league it takes time to adapt. Off the pitch and on the pitch.

“But Nico is someone I plan on talking to. We are going to have a little chat about things, how he feels because he is an important football player. But apart from that, that stays with me.”

While Pepe is struggling for minutes at Arsenal, another player who is finding it hard to get action is striker Eddie Nketiah.

The 20-year-old joined Leeds United on a season-long loan from the Gunners in the summer, but he has not cemented a place in the first-team at Elland Road.

It has sparked rumours the England Under-21 international could be recalled by Arsenal in January and, while Ljungberg refused to confirm if that could be the case, he admitted he has been in contact with the striker.

“I’ve been calling him. He texted me as well two days ago,” he said.

“I need to be careful but I think Eddie is a great player. If he goes on loan we want him to play football and get minutes otherwise they can maybe be here.

“I feel a bit sorry for him because he is a great player and the future of this club. When he has had his chance he scores goals and that’s what he is about.

“Like I said I go on a game to game basis, but you asked for my opinion and that’s my opinion.