Rio Ferdinand believes that Mikel Arteta has told his Arsenal players to withdraw from international duty, similar to what Sir Alex Ferguson used to do at Man United.
The Gunners have had 11 players pull out of international action during the March break and make an early return to London Colney.
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Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are among the group of players who are already back in N5.
However, despite there now being a long list of absentees, Ferdinand is confident that the majority of them will be fine to feature against Southampton in the FA Cup.
Rio Ferdinand thinks Mikel Arteta has copied Sir Alex Ferguson
During his time at Manchester United, Rio Ferdinand claims Sir Alex Ferguson told players to save themselves for club action during the international break.
The former United defender now believes that Mikel Arteta has taken a leaf out of Ferguson’s book and done the same with his Arsenal players.
Ferdinand is backing the majority of the Gunners’ stars to all be fit and available once the international break ends this week.
Speaking about the injury situation at Arsenal, Ferdinand told his YouTube channel: “No, they’ll all be available for selection at the weekend by maybe one or two.
“It’s definitely the manager said, ‘Listen, this is the first win that we could get in terms of the Premier League. We have to be ready, guys. I need your energy’.
“I’ve heard I’ve had this speech from Sir Alex Ferguson, so I understand it. Listen, the guys’ priorities, they’ve just gone Arsenal. We need to win the league.”
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However, Arsenal stars have been struggling with minor issues, with Saka being flagged as ‘red zone fatigue’ by England’s medical staff.
Rice has been carrying a knock before the Carabao Cup final, and Martin Zubimendi has a minor issue with his knee.
But regardless of whatever the doubters are saying, it is in the best interests of Arsenal, the players and the different federations for these stars not to feature in meaningless friendlies.
The last thing the Arsenal players’ nations will want is for them to pick up an issue ahead of the World Cup after being overworked during this international break.
The majority of Arsenal’s returning stars are likely fine, but it is better to be safe than sorry ahead of a hectic schedule for both club and country.
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