Mikel Arteta has hit back at suggestions that Arsenal players have prioritised club over country after a staggering 11 members of his squad withdrew from international duty. The Gunners boss insists that the medical decisions were necessary and the club maintains a transparent relationship with national team managers, including England's Thomas Tuchel.

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.

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 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 The former Chelsea man was withdrawn early at Wembley following a heavy collision, leaving the Gunners sweating on his availability for the Premier League run-in.

Arsenal’s pursuit of a historic treble has been rocked by the news that Eberechi Eze is set for a significant spell on the sidelines. The 27-year-old playmaker is facing at least a month out of action after picking up a severe calf injury during a crucial juncture of the campaign, delivering a brutal blow to Mikel Arteta's squad ahead of a demanding fixture schedule.