Following Arsenal’s win over FC Porto, the international break beckoned and fans were hopeful that each player would go to represent their nations and return unscathed. Arsenal had 13 players that were called up, but in recent times, there have been several withdrawals from the Arsenal camp, starting with the three Gabriels – Magalhaes, Martinelli and Jesus withdrawing from the Brazil squad.
Brazil has two high-profile friendlies scheduled against England and Spain, so the Gabriels weren’t really needed anyway, especially when you consider that Martinelli is currently injured, Gabriel Jesus just returning from injury and Gabriel Magalhaes playing literally ever minute available, bar that early season when Arteta was doing some tweaking early in the season. Reports actually say that Gabriel is suffering from an Achilles issue and the withdrawal from
Takehiro Tomiyasu, fresh from signing his Arsenal contract, also withdrew from the Japan squad and missed out on the 1-0 win over North Korea yesterday. He also will not be part of the return clash with North Korea taking place next week Tuesday, March 26th. While recuperating from injury, Tomiyasu and Partey, who also withdrew from the Ghana squad, were part of the Arsenal Under-23s that were whooped by Queens Park Rangers, in their bid to build fitness for the grueling run-in.
The latest Arsenal player withdrawing from international duty is Bukayo Saka, that has been a mainstay in the England national team for many years,
“Bukayo Saka has left the #ThreeLions camp and returned to his club for continued rehabilitation on an injury he reported to St. George’s Park with.”
England has two friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, which should give Gareth Southgate a chance to other lads a chance to shine. Saka will certainly be a vital player to England in the upcoming Euros this summer, but with Arsenal in the business end of the Premier League and with a lot to play for in the Champions League, withdrawing from the national team that has some meaningless friendlies makes a lot of sense.
We await Martin Odegaard to withdraw as well, but that’s just me grasping on straws.
Sayonara.
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