Sports02 April, 20261 min read
Arteta Defends Arsenal's 11 International Withdrawals as Injury Crisis
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Eleven Arsenal players withdrew from international duty during the current window. Arteta said Arsenal have a very good relationship with most national teams.
Arsenal's Withdrawals Explained
Arsenal's 11 players withdrew from international duty, nearly half of the Premier League's total. Arteta emphasized every withdrawal followed a clear medical assessment and players are desperate to play for their nation. Key players across multiple nations all withdrew due to various injuries.
Injuries, Not Politics
The withdrawals began immediately after the Carabao Cup final defeat. Players who joined their countries also withdrew due to injury. Arteta maintained all decisions were medically driven, not club politics.
Crunch FA Cup and Treble Push
Arsenal remains in contention for a treble. Arteta confirmed Eze would miss the FA Cup match; Odegaard and Timber could return. Despite unprecedented withdrawals, Arteta insisted the club was fully supportive of international football.