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A large portion of Arsenal’s first-team squad has joined their respective national teams for a crucial international break, with key UEFA Nations League quarter-final clashes and promotion/relegation play-offs on the horizon.
Several Gunners will be involved in the Nations League quarter-finals, which take place over two legs. Spain, featuring David Raya and Mikel Merino, will face off against Jurrien Timber’s Netherlands as they look to defend their title. Meanwhile, William Saliba’s France will take on Croatia, with the winner of this tie set to face either Spain or the Netherlands in the semi-finals.
However, Timber will not feature for the Netherlands due to illness, despite his recent impressive form at club level. The Dutch national team confirmed his absence in a social media post, stating: “Jurriën Timber is not available to play tonight due to illness,” read a statement from OnsOranje.
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Timber’s omission initially sparked concerns among Arsenal fans, but confirmation that his absence is due to illness has eased fears, especially with the Gunners preparing for a crucial Champions League showdown against Real Madrid in the coming weeks.
Jurrien Timber
Jurrien Timber (Image credit: Getty Images)
Elsewhere, Riccardo Calafiori will be aiming to help Italy overcome Germany in their quarter-final tie. The winner will have home advantage in the final four this summer and will face either Denmark or Portugal.
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In the Nations League promotion/relegation play-offs, Arsenal players will once again find themselves on opposing sides. Oleksandr Zinchenko’s Ukraine will battle Leandro Trossard’s Belgium for a spot in League A, while Kieran Tierney has returned to the Scotland squad as they aim to avoid relegation to League B in their clash with Greece.
With several Gunners involved in high-stakes international matches, Arsenal fans will be keeping a close eye on their players’ performances and fitness ahead of the resumption of club football.
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