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Posted on April 6, 2026 7:00 pm | Updated on April 6, 2026 12:28 pm
Arsenal is one of England’s most prestigious football clubs, competing in the Premier League and European competitions like the UEFA Champions League. Known for its attacking style, rich history, and passionate fanbase, Arsenal has won numerous league titles and domestic… Read More about ARSENAL
Arsenal have come under scrutiny after a large number of players withdrew from international duty. Manager Mikel Arteta has now addressed the situation, offering clarity on injuries, decisions, and the club’s strong communication with national teams during a demanding phase of the season.
Mikel Arteta Clears the Air
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has spoken out after many of his players pulled out of international duty. The situation raised many questions, but Arteta was calm and clear in his response. A total of 11 Arsenal players withdrew from their national teams during the recent break. This number was very high compared to other clubs. Across the Premier League, 23 players dropped out, and nearly half were from Arsenal alone.
This led to talk about whether the Gunners were facing a deep injury crisis. Some also wondered if the club was being extra careful with players. Arteta rejected any doubt. He said every decision was based on medical advice. He also stressed that the club was open and honest with national teams at all times.
He explained that Arsenal have strong relationships with most countries. He even pointed out good communication with England boss Thomas Tuchel. According to Arteta, there was no hidden plan. Each player’s fitness was checked, and the right call was made. He made it clear that player health always comes first.
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Injuries Hit the Squad Hard
According to sources, this is list of players who pulled out. This shows how tough the situation has been for Arsenal.
Defenders William Saliba and Gabriel were among the first to withdraw. Both had injury concerns after recent matches. Soon after, more key players followed. Midfielder Martin Odegaard, winger Eberechi Eze, and defender Jurrien Timber all had problems. Forward Leandro Trossard also had to step back due to injury.
Even after joining their national teams, couple of players returned home early. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka picked up minor knocks. Noni Madueke suffered a knee issue. Martin Zubimendi and Piero Hincapie also withdrew with problems.
This long list shows that Arsenal are dealing with real fitness concerns. It is not just one or two players. It is a large part of the squad. Arteta said the players were not trying to avoid international duty. In fact, he said they were eager to represent their countries. Playing for the national team means a lot to every player. It is a matter of pride. But when a player is not fully fit, it is risky to play. Small injuries can become bigger problems. That is why Arsenal chose to be careful.
Focus Shifts Back to Club Duty
Now, attention returns to Club Football. Arsenal are still fighting on many fronts this season. They are leading the Premier League and are also close to a place in the FA Cup semi-finals. A big match against Southampton is next. Arteta knows he must manage his squad well. With so many players recovering, team selection will be key.
There is some good news. Odegaard and Timber could return soon. Madueke’s injury is also not as bad as first feared. Still, some players will miss the upcoming game. The Coach did not give a full update on who will play. He kept things open and said fans would see the final team on match day.
Arsenal must stay focused. The season is at a crucial stage, and every match matters. Arteta said the team must pick the strongest lineup possible for every game. The goal is simple: win and keep moving forward. The recent break may have caused problems, but it also gave players time to recover. That could help in the weeks ahead. For now, Arsenal fans will hope that they can finish the season strong.
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Aarya Sikder
Aarya Sikder is a Football Writer at Six Sports, contributing articles on football match developments, player performances, and news from across the football world. His work focuses on delivering engaging and informative coverage that keeps readers updated on key events and emerging storylines in the sport. Through his contributions to Six Sports, Aarya provides match reports, tactical insights, and feature articles that highlight trends and narratives shaping football today. His writing combines clarity with accessible analysis, making it engaging for both casual fans and dedicated followers of the sport.
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