Arteta defends Arsenal's international withdrawals ahead of Cup clash with Southampton
Arteta defends Arsenal's international withdrawals ahead of Cup clash with Southampton
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta defends releasing 11 players for international duty as they prepare for an FA Cup quarter-final at Southampton.
Arsenal are navigating a crowded schedule as 11 players pulled out of international duty or faced injuries after the Carabao Cup final loss. William Saliba withdrew from France with an ankle issue, followed by Gabriel with a knee problem for Brazil. Eberechi Eze (England), Martin Odegaard (Norway), Jurrien Timber (Netherlands) and Leandro Trossard (Belgium) also missed the cup final due to injury concerns. After players linked up with their national teams, five more Arsenal players withdrew or were ruled out: Declan Rice (England), Bukayo Saka (England), Noni Madueke (England), Martin Zubimendi (Spain), Piero Hincapie (Ecuador).
Head coach Mikel Arteta stressed his players are eager to represent their countries and said Arsenal maintains a very good relationship with most national teams. The club, now Premier League leaders, travel to Southampton for the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday. Eze will miss the cup tie, but Odegaard and Timber could return, while Madueke's injury is not as serious as first feared and remains a doubt. Arteta indicated they must pick the strongest possible team to chase success in all competitions.
He noted that they are two or three wins away from the FA Cup and highlighted the importance of the competition for the squad.
