Arsenal news

Arsenal’s Premier League title ambitions have been dealt a scare following the premature return of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Noni Madueke from international duty. England manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed the trio were in "clear discomfort" before being released back to their club ahead of a crucial run of fixtures. With major domestic and European knockout ties on the horizon, Mikel Arteta faces a race against time to have his key stars fit.

Gary Lineker has suggested that Mikel Arteta is taking a leaf out of Sir Alex Ferguson’s playbook as Arsenal contend with a staggering number of international withdrawals. With the Premier League title race reaching a fever pitch, the Gunners boss is facing scrutiny over the timing of various fitness concerns within his squad.

The Premier League has issued a firm defence of VAR following a damning survey by the Football Supporters Association (FSA), which revealed widespread fan dissatisfaction. Despite 75 per cent of surveyed match-goers calling for the technology to be scrapped, league officials insist the system remains vital for sporting integrity. The clash of opinions comes amid a season plagued by a documented rise in officiating errors.

From Saka to Hincapié, a whole team out of action: between those who didn’t respond to the call-up and those who returned early

Golden Glove leader David Raya and Emi Martinez have been snubbed as Mark Crossley draws up his list of the top three Premier League goalkeepers for GOAL. The former Nottingham Forest and Wales shot-stopper has explained the skill set that an “ideal” No.1 must possess, with superstar performers at Manchester City and Liverpool considered to boast those qualities.

Cesc Fabregas has been told why his career path could lead back to Chelsea or Barcelona, with the World Cup winner doing a “remarkable” job as manager of Como. The former Spain international stepped into the dugout after hanging up his boots in Italy. He is now chasing down Champions League qualification, with Massimo Ambrosini telling GOAL why a return to familiar surroundings could be agreed at some stage.

Atletico Madrid are reportedly preparing a massive contract extension offer for Julian Alvarez to ward off growing transfer interest from top European clubs like Barcelona and Arsenal. The La Liga giants view the Argentine forward as the absolute cornerstone of their long-term project and are ready to shatter their wage structure to ensure he remains the undisputed face of the franchise.

Arsenal's international break has gone from bad to worse, with Martin Zubimendi becoming their tenth first-team star to pull out of international duty. The Spain midfielder has returned to Emirates Stadium after the RFEF confirmed he would play no part in their upcoming friendly fixture against Egypt.

Mikel Arteta is facing yet another injury headache as Piero Hincapie has become the latest Arsenal star to withdraw from international duty. The versatile defender sustained a knock during a friendly clash with Ecuador against Morocco and has been sent back to London for medical assessments.

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are facing a nervous wait over the fitness of Noni Madueke after the winger was forced off during the first half of England's international friendly against Uruguay. The former Chelsea man was withdrawn early at Wembley following a heavy collision, leaving the Gunners sweating on his availability for the Premier League run-in.