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.

The Gunners have been sweating over the fitness of Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber ahead of the Carabao Cup final. Odegaard hasn't featured since the draw with Brentford last month, while Timber was forced off during the 2-0 victory against Everton last Saturday. Their absence is felt, but Mikel Arteta remains hopeful.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has hailed the impact of Max Dowman after the teenager’s record-breaking goal against Everton, insisting the youngster's composure comes as no surprise to those at the club. The Norwegian international, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, offered sage advice to the academy graduate as the Gunners continue their charge toward the Premier League title.

Arsenal face a high-stakes summer transfer window as financial pressures mount at the Emirates following last year's spending splurge. Despite their impressive Premier League form, the Gunners may be forced into a shock sale of at least one key star and academy graduates to balance the books.

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard was surprisingly left out of the squad for the crucial London derby against Chelsea at Emirates Stadium. Despite training earlier this week and making a recent comeback, Mikel Arteta confirmed a lingering knee injury forced the medical team to take a cautious approach to avoid risking a long-term setback.

Mikel Arteta has confirmed the reason behind Martin Odegaard's absence from the matchday squad for Arsenal's FA Cup win over Wigan on Sunday. The Gunners eased past the Latics on home turf to breeze into the next round of the competition but Odegaard sat out the resounding home victory as the Norwegian's stop-start season continues.