A total of 11 Arsenal players withdrew from the national team last week, sparking a wave of criticism of Mikel Arteta’s side ahead of their FA Cup game against Southampton.
Noni Madueke was sent off during England’s first friendly (Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the long-term injury situation following the withdrawal of one of his players from international duty. The Gunners have faced relentless criticism after a bevy of star players returned to north London early ahead of their run-in.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, for example, only spent one full day in the England camp before their return to Arsenal was confirmed. Meanwhile, Noni Madueke was injured in England’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay in the first half.
The trio joins Martin Odegaard, Julien Tambor, Leandro Trossard, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Pierro Hankapie and Martin Zvimendi in opting out of their national teams. Fortunately for Arsenal, Maduke’s injury is not as bad as initially feared and he will only be out for “a few 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, I’m nowhere near that injured.”
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However, the Arsenal manager confirmed that both Eze and Hincapie will miss the game due to injury. In further positive news, Odegaard and Timber, who were absent during Arsenal’s 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final, could be included in the squad.
As for the rest, Arteta said: “You know, I’m going to keep you guessing as you can. We’re going to make the best lineup and decisions to win every possible competition.”
Arteta also wavered when asked which goalkeeper would play after Kepa Arrizabalaga’s mistake against City. “He’s under 32, speaks at least two languages and is right-handed,” the Gunners manager replied cheekily.
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Pierrot Hincapie will miss this weekend (Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
England manager Thomas Tuchel admitted the amount Arsenal are withdrawing looks “doubtful”. “Everyone can calculate and of course it depends on many players,” Tuchel said.
“In this situation, it looks a bit questionable, but I can only speak for the players. I still have 100 per cent trust in Bukayo and Declan’s integrity.”
“We did a medical. I saw it. There is no reason to believe that Declan is not being honest with me. There is no reason to believe that Bukayo is not being honest with me. But given the number of players at Arsenal, I can understand the look on his face.”
Eberechi Eze will also be unavailable against Southampton (Image: Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
In response, Arteta explained: “We have very good relationships with most of the national teams. Especially with Thomas, when we had to communicate the status of each player, the conclusion was clear.”
“I think players have to play when they’re fit and able to play. Players are desperate to play for the national team.”
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