After the news that Ebere Eze and William Saliba would not be joining their countries for their games during this international break, another three Arsenal players have withdrawn from their respective national sides.
It is perhaps unsurprising to learn that Jurrien Timber has withdrawn from duty with the Netherlands. Like Eze, the defender was not included in Arsenal’s League Cup final squad. He also missed the midweek game against Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates.
In addition to Timber, Gabriel has also withdrawn from the Brazil squad with a sore knee being cited as the issue.
A statement released by Brazil read, “Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães is out of the friendlies against France and Croatia. After the match this Sunday (22) against Manchester City in the English League Cup final, the player complained of pain in his right knee.
“Imaging tests confirmed that Gabriel Magalhães is not fit for the matches in this FIFA international window. No other player will be called up to replace him.”
Leandro Trossard will also not be joining up with Belgium for this break after he declined a call-up.
Norway opted not to select Martin Odegaard, who is closing in on fitness, saying they would prefer he uses this window to rest and recover fully ahead of the World Cup this summer.
Ben White, meanwhile, has been drafted into the England side alongside Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Noni Madueke.
Thomas Tuchel has indicated that the likes of Rice and Saka will only be used in one of the two games.
It was also reported that Riccardo Calafiori missed training on Monday. World Cup qualification is still on the line for the Italians in their game against Northern Ireland on Thursday night.
Italy have not qualified for the last two World Cups will be desperate to end that run, however possible.