Arteta defends Arsenal's international withdrawals

Arteta defends Arsenal's international withdrawalsImage source, AFP via Getty ImagesImage caption, Eleven of the 18 Arsenal players selected for international duty last month withdrew through injuryByGary RoseBBC Sport journalistPublished3 minutes ago1 CommentsArsenal boss Mikel Arteta says the club have "a very good relationship" with most national teams, despite 11 of the Gunners' players withdrawing from international duty during the most recent window.Across the 20 Premier League sides, 228 players were called up by their respective countries last month for World Cup qualifiers and friendlies. Twenty-three of those dropped out - and almost half were Arsenal players.It prompted speculation over whether the Gunners were in the midst of an injury crisis or being cautious, but Arteta stressed the medical condition of every player was clearly communicated to their national teams."We have very good relationship and communication with most of the national teams - certainly with [England manager] Thomas [Tuchel] too," Arteta said."We have been extremely supportive all the time. When you have to communicate the state of every player, we are always honest and a medical decision had to be made. That was clear what the conclusion was."Arsenal's 11 international withdrawals - injury crisis or crafty caution?Published3 days agoFollowing the Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City earlier this month, defender William Saliba confirmed he would not be joining up with France because of an ankle injury.His centre-back partner Gabriel then withdrew from the Brazil squad with a knee problem.They were later joined by England forward Eberechi Eze (calf), Norway midfielder Martin Odegaard (knee) and Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber (groin) - who all missed the cup final defeat at Wembley through injury - as well as Belgium forward Leandro Trossard (hip).After players joined up with their respective countries, five more from Arsenal wi...