Morning all.
The below list of Arsenal players are alleged to be injured. Some withdrew from international duty pre this break, others have returned during it. Either way, Mikel Arteta potentially faces a selection nightmare ahead of the FA Cup game against Southampton on Saturday.
Ebe Eze
Declan Rice
Bukayo Saka
Martin Zubimendi
Gabriel
William Saliba
Piero Hincapie
Jurrien Timber
Leandro Trossard
Noni Madueke
Mikel Merino
Martin Odegaard
Personally, I think it’s all poppycock, certainly the injury part because I think it’s more about international managers knowing certain players have nothing to prove ahead of the World Cup and their place in the squad is already secure.
In the friendly fixtures, why not use other players who still have an outside chance of making the squad? It makes sense to me but then perhaps I’m biased because for the first time in many years, it’s Arsenal who are, I hope anyway, protecting their players because by the time we face Southampton on Saturday, all of those in the above list will have had either three weeks to rest, or the same time added to their recovery without missing a match.
Not even Arsenal could be this unlucky with injuries surely?
Later this year and into the 2026/27 season, FIFA have reportedly going to merge the September and October international breaks into a three week break. This has to be better for the players. One week less away from their clubs and less interruption to the domestic season. The November break is still set to go ahead but if the first merger is successful and if common sense comes into play, hopefully the November and March breaks will turn into a three week break too, preferably when the domestic/European schedule is not quite as hectic and certainly not when clubs are fighting hard for league titles, promotion or desperately trying to avoid relegation. International breaks are going nowhere so two is better than four. But ditch the friendlies, then we are less likely to see players leaving their respective international camps, certainly in March.
The internet is already in overdrive ahead of the summer transfer window. Myles Lewis-Skelly has been linked to Man Utd, Ethan Nwaneri has been linked with a move away for game time, both stories which are likely to be poppycock. This morning though, “Arsenal are favourites” to sign German striker Nicolo Tresoldi from Club Brugge. True or not, who knows but I do think another striker will join the club this summer if Gabriel Jesus departs which hopefully he will. Not just him of course as personally, I think Leandro Trossard’s Arsenal days should come to an end too. A bit like Jesus, he was exactly what Arsenal needed at the time but times have changed. Arsenal have changed. I’d hate to see Gabriel Martinelli leave but that’s a case of heart ruling head. If a big offer comes in for him, I think Arsenal might accept it.
Whilst it seems too early to be thinking about the summer transfer window, I’m pretty sure Andrea Berta and his transfer will be doing just that. After all, that’s their job. Making the Arsenal squad stronger, regardless of what happens over the next two months.
Catch up in the comments.
Morning Rico. 100% with you regarding using players for friendlies when their positions are secure. I put it all down to the TV Channels wanting to make more money.
99% of us are not interested in friendlies at this stage, especially with the Prem season nearing the end with it still being exciting at the top and bottom, and the FA Cup and Champs League still ongoing.
Sadly a non-sensical game has caused Madueke another unwanted injury. Doesn’t look good but lets hope the Arsenal Medical / Training Teams can work some magic on him. Glad to see them all back.
Good morning Rico.
Excellent post, thank you. To add to your possible departures list Ben White is wanted by Everton and maybe by Newcastle if their fullback Livramento leaves.
Once the World Cup is over the authorities should introduce a mid-winter break in all professional leagues.
The good of the players should override the scandal of money grabbing extra club competitions.
Morning Laura, Cicero, all. Thanks Cicero.
Christian Norgaard too I think because he’ll be wanting to find a club with a manager who needs him. Perhaps one of the newly promoted clubs. Similar with White perhaps. Another heart over head not wanting him to leave…
Laura, I think they are just filling slots at the same time as the playoffs to make things kind of even. Pointless though at this stage of the season and as you say, it looks like Madueke has paid the price, Foden too.
Our mole at Totteringham has done at great job undermining our not so noisy neighbours. Hats of to Vinai V. 😉
🤣🤣
So Spurs are in talks with Roberto De Zerbi,he’s a good manager but it’s going to be hard for anyone going in there. I know some Arsenal supporters who don’t want them to go down because that’s 6 easy points for us.
That is quite a list of injured players,I hope a few will be ready for Lisbon,I don’t know who will play against Saints though. I think players don’t want to rush back from injury with the World Cup coming up.