A total of 11 Arsenal players withdrew from their national teams last week, sparking a wave of criticism towards Mikel Arteta’s side ahead of their FA Cup tie against Southampton
Noni Madueke came off during England’s first friendly(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has provided a lengthy injury update after ELEVEN of his players pulled out of international duty. The Gunners have faced unrelenting criticism after a swarm of stars returned to North London early ahead of the run-in.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, for example, only spent one full day at the England camp before it was confirmed that they’d return to Arsenal. Meanwhile, Noni Madueke suffered an injury in the first half of England’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay.
The trio joined Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Tumber, Leandro Trossard, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Piero Hancapie and Martin Zubimendi in withdrawing from their respective countries’ squads. Fortunately for Arsenal, Madueke’s injury isn’t as bad as first feared and he’ll only be out for ‘days’.
“It looked really bad and Noni was really worried,” Arteta told a press conference ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final away to Southampton. “But no it is nowhere near that injury.”
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However, the Arsenal manager has confirmed that both Eze and Hincapie will miss the tie because of their injuries. In more positive news, Odegaard and Timber – who were both absent for Arsenal’s 2-0 loss against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final – could be in the squad.
As for the rest, Arteta commented: “You will see, I will continue the speculation so you can do it. We are going to make the strongest line-ups and decisions to win every possible competition.”
Arteta was also coy when asked which goalkeeper would play after the Kepa Arrizabalaga’s mistake against City. “He’s under 32, speaks at least two languages and right footed,” the Gunners boss cheekily replied.
Who’ll go through – Southampton or Arsenal? Give us your prediction in the comments section.
England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted that the amount of Arsenal withdrawals looked ‘suspicious’. “Everyone can do the math and it’s a lot of players, of course,” Tuchel said.
“During the situation, it looks a bit suspicious but I can only talk for our players. I still have 100 per cent trust in the honesty of Bukayo and Declan.
“We did medical tests. I saw them. I have no reason to believe that Declan is not honest with me. I have no reason to believe Bukayo is not honest. But given the amount of Arsenal players, I understand the look.”
In response, Arteta explained: “We have very good relationships with most of the national teams. Especially with Thomas and when you have to communicate the state of every player, that was clear what the conclusion was.
“I think when a player is fit and available, they have to play. The players are desperate to play with the national team.”
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