Arteta will be happy with caution - analysispublished at 14:10 BST 31 March
14:10 BST 31 March
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
There has been a lot of talk about the amount of Arsenal players who have withdrawn throughout this international window but each player will have their reason and will have been assessed.
Some may be sceptical about some of these withdrawals but apart from striker Viktor Gyokeres, who is still with Sweden, nine of Arsenal's players who have withdrawn are in their top 10 for minutes played by outfield players this season.
After losing key players to injury on previous international breaks, Arteta will be happy about the caution being shown with his stars at such a key stage of the season.
'No reason' not to believe Rice and Saka - Tuchelpublished at 10:56 BST 31 March
10:56 BST 31 March
Paul Battison BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
The international withdrawals have coincided with Arsenal's challenge on three fronts for silverware this season, including their attempt to win a first Premier League title in 22 years.
The Gunners are nine points clear of second-placed Manchester City with seven games remaining, although Pep Guardiola's side have one game in hand.
Arsenal also travel to Portugal's Sporting in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, three days after visiting Southampton in the last eight of the FA Cup on 4 April.
England manager Thomas Tuchel said he "understood" the possible suspicion around Arsenal's withdrawals, but on Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka he insisted he had "no reason to believe" they had not been honest with him and his medical staff.
The German added both "wanted desperately" to play in Tuesday's friendly against Japan, but that the risk of making their issues worse was deemed "way too big" after a medical assessment by the national team.
Tuchel said: "I understand the look of it. I still have 100% trust in the honesty of Bukayo and Declan. We did medical tests. I saw them.
"Declan was even out on the pitch. He did not come and say: 'Guys, I'm going home.'"
Remembering Rocky 25 years after his deathpublished at 06:58 BST 31 March
06:58 BST 31 March
Katie Stafford BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
On this day 25 years ago, Arsenal legend David Rocastle died at the age of 33, having previously been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Rocastle, who was nicknamed Rocky, spent the majority of his career at Arsenal and made 277 appearances after making his debut aged 18.
He scored a total of 34 goals for the Gunners and won the League title in 1989 and 1991, as well as the League Cup in 1987.
Rocastle grew up in Brockley with Ian Wright and the pair would later go on to play for the Gunners together.
Following his passing on March 31, 2001, Wright referred to Rocastle as "a best mate and team-mate" on the BBC Radio 5 Live show he co-hosted at the time.
"He was somebody that played hard and fair," said Wright to Arsenal club media. "He was a gentleman to everybody.
"People think I started supporting Arsenal when I got there but he's the reason why I love Arsenal so much.
"On my first league game for Arsenal, we were in the tunnel and David looked at me and said 'look at us, man, Brockley boys bro. Look where we are'.
"I went out and scored a hat-trick and David scored the other one. We beat Southampton 4-0 and it is the best day of my life.
"When he was leaving, I cried for three days. I genuinely thought I was going to be with him for the whole time I was there.
"The best time I had at Arsenal was the year there with him."
Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,
Rocastle (right) and Paul Davis both came through Arsenal's youth system and were members of two league-winning sides at Highbury
Another England international that was inspired by Rocastle was Ashley Cole, who came through the Arsenal youth system while Rocastle was in the senior team.
"As a 10-year-old boy, I was injured while playing for the kids team at Arsenal and had to come and see Gary Lewin [the physiotherapist] and luckily enough he [Rocastle] was sitting on the treatment table," Cole said., external "He didn't have to speak to me but he took time out and asked my name and how I was.
"After that, I just started following him and tried to be like him."
In another interview, Cole reflected on that meeting and said: "Now I look back and think what a great career I have had, but I will never forget speaking to him."
'If Lewis-Skelly is called upon, he is ready to go'published at 18:46 BST 30 March
18:46 BST 30 March
Image source, Getty Images
England Under-21s boss Lee Carsley says Myles Lewis-Skelly has shown a "great attitude" with the Young Lions and has put himself in a "strong position" if called upon by Arsenal.
The 19-year-old, who has six caps for the senior team, made his debut for the under-21s in Friday's 1-1 draw in Andorra.
"He's shown such a great attitude and it's really benefited him this week playing minutes and training at a good level," Carsley said.
"I think that's one of the things that we always look for with the [senior] players and I'm thinking of Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Rico Lewis. A lot of players have done that, so Myles is not on his own.
"We look at attitude, we look at the desire to play and he was really enthusiastic about coming to the 21s. He sees that potentially as a route into getting minutes and then potentially going to play for Arsenal and then England.
"He had such a rise so quickly and this is football. This is what happens. There is lots of ups and downs, but he's responded well to it this camp."
On the impact Lewis-Skelly could make back at Arsenal, Carsley added: "I think you can train all you want, but there is nothing like match minutes where you are competing against someone and the intensity of it.
"The fact now that he's potentially going back having played a lot of minutes for England puts him a strong position where, if he is called upon or gets a chance, he is ready to go. He doesn't [now] need one or two games, which you don't get at that level, to bed in."
Eleven of Arsenal's players withdraw from international duty published at 13:50 BST 30 March
13:50 BST 30 March
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Before the international window had really got going six Arsenal players had withdrawn from their national squads but now that number is up to 11.
William Saliba was the first player to confirm that he would not be joining up with his country in the immediate aftermath of Arsenal's loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final.
Eberechi Eze was ruled out of England's friendlies with Uruguay and Japan with a calf problem picked up in the Champions League, with Martin Odegaard and Jurrien Timber also withdrawing from the Norway and Netherlands squads with pre-existing injuries.
Leandro Trossard also withdrew from the Belgium squad within the same time period.
However since those drop-outs, five more Arsenal players have since returned to the club.
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were given the first week off of England's training camp as Thomas Tuchel gave his key players a rest and looked at other potential options for this summer's World Cup.
But after joining the rest of the squad at Tottenham Hotspur's training ground which is where the squad are this week, the pair were allowed to leave.
Their Arsenal team-mate Noni Madueke was ruled out with a knee injury picked up in the 1-1 draw with Uruguay on Friday night.
Martin Zubimendi has left the Spain squad with "pain in his knee" while Piero Hincapie has exited the Ecuador training base.
The Gunners are in action against Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final on Saturday, 4 April before travelling to Portugal to play Sporting in the Champions League quarter-final on 9 April.
'At some stage White will have to grasp the nettle and talk about it'published at 09:30 BST 30 March
09:30 BST 30 March
John Murray BBC Radio 5 Live football correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
What England's friendly against Uruguay will be remembered for is Ben White.
It is the only match I have ever seen when an England player has scored his first international goal at Wembley and get booed by, I would say, a sizeable minority of the crowd.
After he left the World Cup squad in Qatar and went home for what was described as personal reasons, we've never really got to the bottom of what it was.
There were stories about a fallout - something that happened involving Steve Holland, Gareth Southgate's assistant - but that was never confirmed by Southgate.
I thought Friday night might have been the perfect opportunity for White to put his head above the parapet. He's made his comeback, he's just scored his first goal.
However, before the match, Thomas Tuchel - and we kind of know this already - described the defender as quite introverted, quite shy, so maybe he just doesn't feel comfortable to do that.
But probably at some stage he will have to grasp the nettle and talk about it.
Madueke on competition with Saka and England hopes published at 13:11 GMT 27 March
13:11 GMT 27 March
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Noni Madueke has spoken about the unique position he is in, having to compete for a place in the side with Bukayo Saka for club and country.
The 24-year-old signed for the Gunners last summer and the right-winger plays in the same position as key player Saka for both Arsenal and England.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has used Madueke on the left wing while Saka has also played as a number 10, which has allowed Madueke to play in his favoured role while both players are on the pitch.
"It's competition," Madueke said before England's friendly with Uruguay on Friday.
"You guys probably see it like that more than we do. We don't see it like that, we play for Arsenal and England and we have the collective at the forefront of our minds.
"He's a top player, someone I'm very close to."
Former Chelsea winger Madueke has had some good moments for Arsenal this season, scoring in the win against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and registering seven goals in 31 games in all competitions.
"It's one of those things, I feel like when you play for a team like Arsenal and for England, competition is just a given," he continued.
"It is something that is always there at the highest level of football.
"Whether it is B (Saka) or me, the focus has to be on England and the collective as a whole and you just have to do your best."
"Anyone who knows us know that we have a mutual love and respect for each other. There are bits of his game I try to take, and I think there are bits of mine I think he tries to take too.
"We are very close and we know regardless of who is playing, we are pulling in the same direction and that's not going to change."
England manager Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of Madueke and said that the winger was England's best player in the June camp.
However, Madueke missed the October and November internationals and the games against Uruguay and Japan this month present his last chance to impress the manager as he aims to secure his place in the squad for this summer's World Cup.
"Football is a game of opinions," Madueke said. "Different people and different coaches have different opinions. The fact that I'm versatile helps me a little bit.
"I can play on the left and the right. I'll reiterate again - I'll play wherever the coach needs me to play and I'll try to do my best."
'Happy birthday, Arteta - now take us to the promised land'published at 12:01 GMT 27 March
12:01 GMT 27 March
Scarlet Katz Roberts Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Wishing you the best birthday celebrations, Mikel Arteta - master of the dark arts and ruiner of modern football.
I wish we were celebrating in better circumstances after lifting our first trophy in six years last weekend, but it was not to be. We were outclassed, outthought and outfought by Manchester City on Sunday - all of the outs!
I did not hang around for the celebrations. As soon as the final whistle went, I was gone. I was too sickened to look over my shoulder at the blue sea of joy behind me.
But the Arsenal team stayed. William Saliba, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino watched stony-faced, alongside our manager, as City lifted the trophy.
Why? So they could congratulate the worthy victors - and feature in the background of one of Rayan Cherki's selfies.
Call it "copium" but it is this exact trait that underpins my belief that Arteta, who turned 44 on Thursday, is the man to lead us to the promised land. He knows how to take his medicine.
Certain Basque managers who did not turn out to be the kind of cultural figurehead required to deliver us from the darkness of the late Arsene Wenger years might have nipped down the tunnel and said it was too cold to hang around for a handshake...
But Arteta and his Arsenal players are nothing if not defined by learning from their mistakes.
Done on the break at Etihad Stadium in 2023 - sign Rice. A host of injuries in 2024-25 - sign everyone.
Wherever he is, I am sure Arteta is poring over the details of the game and saving the footage of Cherki doing keepy-uppies in the dressing room.
That is another thing about Arteta - he has a healthy appetite for revenge.
I hope you celebrated your birthday - but not too much. We go again on 4 April.
Can Rodri and Zubimendi play together?published at 09:14 GMT 27 March
09:14 GMT 27 March
Marcus Alves BBC Sport
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester City were all over Arsenal early in the second half of Sunday's Carabao Cup final when Rodri spread his arms calling for the ball on the edge of the area.
Rayan Cherki instantly spotted him and picked him out. Rodri controlled it and fired it right away.
The low shot looked destined for the bottom-right corner of Kepa's goal, but Martin Zubimendi got in the way and blocked his fellow Spaniard's effort.
Ultimately, Rodri came out on top as City won 2-0 at Wembley to lift the trophy.
But the battle of the two midfielders is far from over. It resumed on Monday when both of them reported to the Spanish national team camp in Madrid before the friendlies against Serbia and Egypt.
Not only are they still fighting for the Premier League title, but also for a starting place with the European champions.
That's one of the main debates in Spain before this summer's World Cup.
Can Rodri and Zubimendi play together?
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has had to address this question so often during the past few months that he has now reached a point where he is simply anticipating it in interviews.
"After all the setbacks he went through, Rodrigo is back at a high level. I've said before that he is the best in the world, but also on those same occasions that we are very fortunate," De La Fuente told TVE.
"After all, in that position, the number six role, we have the two best players in the world: Rodrigo and Martin [Zubimendi].
"So I will get ahead of a question you are probably going to ask: can they play together? Of course they can play together."
The 64-year-old boss has yet to truly put that into practice, however.
He has done it once, but that was quite circumstantial. It took place in the Euro 2024 semi-finals against France, when Zubimendi came off the bench in the 93rd minute.
For most of their time at Las Rozas headquarters in Madrid, it has been either one or the other.
Rodri had long been undroppable and even had a say within the dressing room in how the team played, but his most recent start was in September 2024 against Switzerland.
In his absence, Zubimendi has made such an impact that what once felt unquestionable no longer does: there is life without the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.
The first clues to what comes next could arrive on Friday when Spain face Serbia in Villarreal.
Gossip: Lewis-Skelly draws Man Utd interestpublished at 07:21 GMT 27 March
07:21 GMT 27 March
Manchester United have put Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly on their summer transfer shortlist, with the left-back struggling for regular game time. (Express), external
Paris St-Germain are not expecting Arsenal to make a move for their 25-year-old Georgia winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this summer, with the Gunners also keen on Newcastle attacker Anthony Gordon. (Sky Sports), external
No VAR error on Havertz penalty claim v Everton - panel published at 12:40 GMT 26 March
12:40 GMT 26 March
Dale Johnson Football issues correspondent
Image source, Getty Images
The Premier League's Key Match Incidents (KMI) Panel has unanimously voted that Arsenal's Kai Havertz should have been awarded a penalty on-field against Everton.
But it was also ruled that the video assistant referee (VAR) was correct not to intervene.
The Germany international went down under a challenge from Michael Keane in the 24th minute of the Gunners' 2-0 win at the Emirates on 14 March.
Referee Andy Madley allowed play to continue with the VAR, Stuart Attwell, deciding that contact was "minimal".
Replays shows that the Everton defender had inadvertently stepped on Havertz's foot.
The five members of the KMI Panel all felt Madley should have pointed to the spot, but there was a split 3:2 vote that it "was not a clear and obvious error requiring VAR intervention".
Arsenal have had no VAR errors recorded against them this season.
But two missed spot-kicks for the opposition have been logged in their favour, in away games at Everton and Brighton.
Are injuries a worry for Saka?published at 11:06 GMT 26 March
11:06 GMT 26 March
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Bukayo Saka's hamstring problem last season was the first major injury of his career.
And, in a sign of his robustness, it came on his 250th appearance for Arsenal and made him the the youngest Englishman to reach that milestone for the Gunners.
That injury kept him out for 101 days, but he scored on his return against Fulham before scoring away against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu as Arsenal reached the last four of the Champions League before going out to Paris St-Germain.
This season, he sustained a hamstring injury which kept him out for four weeks early on in the campaign, before a hip injury which meant he pulled out of the warm-up away at Leeds in January and missed three games for Arsenal.
This season, although low on numbers for Saka, could be one of the most important of his career as he looks to play a vital part in Arsenal winning major trophies.
For the past six seasons, Saka has consistently been among the highest Arsenal players for minutes played.
This season he has played 2,869 minutes in all competitions, which is more than the 2,619 he played last season.
With a World Cup coming up, England boss Thomas Tuchel is mindful of protecting his stars, saying "some of these guys have already played more minutes than the whole of last season and there is still a lot of football to play" when announcing his latest squad.
Saka could play up to 15 more games this season for Arsenal if they reach the finals of the FA Cup and Champions League, which would take his tally to 57 games if he plays in all of them.
It may not be his best in terms of numbers but, if he is one of the leading figures to help Arsenal end their trophy drought, while playing a key part in England's challenge for the World Cup, this could still be one of the most important campaigns of his career.
Is Arsenal's reliance on Saka starting to show?published at 08:28 GMT 26 March
08:28 GMT 26 March
Alex Howell Arsenal reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Are the first signs of Arsenal's reliance on Bukayo Saka starting to show?
Saka captained Arsenal for the Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City and his performance, along with his recent form, has been called into question by supporters and pundits as the Gunners missed out on their first piece of silverware since 2020.
"That pressure to win trophies can tally up and make it difficult," former Manchester United and England striker Wayne Rooney said when speaking about Saka's form.
"I think he has struggled this season. He has played a lot of games in his career already. I think we all know there is more there."
Part of the reason that Saka's form has been called into question is because of the high standards and impressive performances expected from the Arsenal winger.
The 24-year-old signed a new five-year deal with his boyhood club in February as they moved to secure his future for the prime years of his career.
Saka's importance to Arsenal cannot be underestimated. His story, connection with the fans and academy, and his importance to his team cannot be replaced.
However, the England international has only two goals since the turn of the year. He has played 17 games and missed three matches with a hip injury.
And, before his goal in the 2-2 draw against Wolves last month, when Saka played as a number 10, he had not found the net for 15 games in all competitions. He has scored six league goals in 27 appearances this season.
Saka has played a lot of football in his career. The appearance against City in the final was his 305th for Arsenal in all competitions.
But that is exactly what his manager Mikel Arteta wants from him: reliability.
In 2022, when asked about giving Saka a rest, the Arsenal boss pointed at the number of games the elite players in football play.
"Look at the top players in the world. They play 70 matches - every three days - and make the difference and win the game," he said.
"You want to be at the top, you have to be able to do that."
'International break couldn't come at a better time'published at 12:24 GMT 25 March
12:24 GMT 25 March
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on whether the international break has come at a good time for Arsenal, as Mikel Arteta looks to bounce back from Carabao Cup final disappointment to prepare for the run-in.
Here are some of your comments:
Rachel: First and foremost, Arsenal should crawl away and lick their wounds. They have time to heal. It was unrealistic to expect to win four trophies. Then we need a shift in headspace because winning starts in the mind. Physically we are capable. Mentally we have to improve. After that it's all about the team and having the same attitude. We can if we truly believe we can!
Chris: There's been a lot of fuss about Arsenal 'bottling it' or running out of ideas. We have reportedly lost more players to injury than any other premier league team yet we are still in the mix for a Treble. A rest is needed to evaluate the disappointment from the weekend, get some players back to full fitness and plan how we are going to win, win, win.
Vince: What better after a potentially morale-sapping loss than to take some time off to rest, reassess, and come back stronger? We all do it after an injury or illness so why not Arsenal? What's more, we get a cup game against a Championship team - no disrespect to Southampton - to ease back into it before we go full-tilt in the Premier League once more. Assuming the international games don't take out any of our key men, the fixture list has never been kinder this season. So please go win the title, because we might never get a better chance.
Trevor: Good time to regroup and get the injured back for the run in. I can see the reasoning behind the decision to play Kepa, but let's get over the loss and support the boys for the rest of the season.
Matt: It couldn't come at a better time. With the injuries and workload, the players need a break 100%. Odegaard will hopefully return by the time we play Sporting Lisbon, players rested and ready to start the most important run in we have ever possibly had.
Mark: Without doubt the break has come at a good time. Most of our players look physically & particularly mentally shattered playing so many 'must win' games. Getting away from domestic action for two weeks could be a real positive moment in ensuring we have a strong & winning end to what could become an historic season.
'I can't imagine Arsenal panicking in the dressing room' - Suttonpublished at 10:59 GMT 25 March
10:59 GMT 25 March
Media caption,
Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton doubts Arsenal will panic after their Carabao Cup defeat by Manchester City on Sunday and says they just need to "regroup" after the international break.
The Gunners could still win the treble as they are top of the Premier League and are into the quarter-finals of both the Champions League and the FA Cup.
"It's always a disappointment to lose a final, but if you were going to have to lose a contest this season then it would be the Carabao Cup," said Sutton on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club.
"It's now just about regrouping. I'd still rather be in Arsenal's position - they have the most points, scored the most goals and conceded the least in the Premier League.
"Everyone wants to see Manchester City really push them, but I can't imagine Arsenal panicking in the dressing room because of one defeat against a good City team.
Image source, Getty Images
