Arsenal icon defends Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka amid the criticism by Harry Kane for pulling out of the Nations League games
With already the third international break upon us in November, the amount of heavy injuries occurred this season has been something of concern. Players have been getting knocked left and right, which has led to many top talents skipping their international call-ups for some much-needed rest.
Over at North London, tensions have been rising up for the Gunners from all areas. With failure to claim the Premier League trophy in two decades, Arsenal now find themselves fourth in the table, nine points behind Liverpool who seem to show no signs of stopping. While the international break came at the right time for Mikel Arteta, yet another problem arrives for him through injuries.
Captain Martin Odegaard was the first big injury the Gunners had to endure, and now, probably the two most important players for the Spaniard, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have also skipped the international matches due to sustaining injuries. This definitely holds off Arteta’s plans of fully utilizing the international break.
“I think England comes before anything. England comes before club.” : Harry Kane wants maximum participation during national games
The Three Lions skipper Harry Kane recently called out the England squad, and was disappointed that many players withdrew from participating in the upcoming Nations League matches. Although England were easily able to beat Greece 3-0, the Bayern Munich forward believes that key players should always be present regardless of the importance of the national team matches.
“I think England comes before anything. England comes before club.” said Kane.
“It’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit, I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation.” the England captain added.
Meanwhile, Arsenal legend Paul Merson has come out to defend Rice and Saka, while acknowledging Kane’s thoughts for England to get back on track and get promoted to the big table.
“I can understand that but at the same time Rice wasn’t fit, Saka came off with about 10, 15 minutes to go in probably a must-win game for Arsenal [against Chelsea] at the time,” said Merson (via Sky Sports).
“I’ll go with the players on this one, but again, this is a big football match. We need to win this football match to get back to the big table with the big nations because otherwise we’re going to play these countries again and that’s when you get withdrawals at the same time.” the 56-year-old added.
While this club vs country debate may go on forever, the Gunners do not have that much time to get their grip on. Mikel Arteta’s main worry might be Liverpool right now, but we all know how Pep Guardiola and co. turn the tides on later in the second half. The Spaniard will need to look for solutions fast in order to catch up to the competition.
