Arteta Defends Arsenal’s International Withdrawals

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says the club have “a very good relationship” with most national teams, despite 11 of the Gunners’ players withdrawing from international duty during the most recent window.

Across the 20 Premier League sides, 228 players were called up by their respective countries last month for World Cup qualifiers and friendlies. Twenty-three of those dropped out – and almost half were Arsenal players.

It prompted speculation over whether the Gunners were in the midst of an injury crisis or being cautious, but Arteta stressed the medical condition of every player was clearly communicated to their national teams.

“We have very good relationship and communication with most of the national teams – certainly with [England manager] Thomas [Tuchel] too,” Arteta said.

“We have been extremely supportive all the time. When you have to communicate the state of every player, we are always honest and a medical decision had to be made. That was clear what the conclusion was.”

Following the Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City earlier this month, defender William Saliba confirmed he would not be joining up with France because of an ankle injury.

His centre-back partner Gabriel then withdrew from the Brazil squad with a knee problem.

They were later joined by England forward Eberechi Eze (calf), Norway midfielder Martin Odegaard (knee) and Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber (groin) – who all missed the cup final defeat at Wembley through injury – as well as Belgium forward Leandro Trossard (hip).

After players joined up with their respective countries, five more from Arsenal withdrew – England trio Declan Rice (knock), Bukayo Saka (knock) and Noni Madueke (injured his knee against Uruguay) as well as Spain’s Martin Zubimendi (knee) and Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie (undisclosed).

Arteta said his players were “desperate” to play for their countries.

“When you are fit and available to play for the national team, you have to play,” he added.

“It makes us so proud that we had that many players in the national team.

“Players are desperate to play for their nation. I know how important it is to them. We are fully supportive of that and when we can do it, we do it.”

Premier League leaders Arsenal are in FA Cup quarter-final action on Saturday as they visit in-form Championship side Southampton (20:00 BST).