Gabby Agbonlahor has suggested that players should face punishment for withdrawing from international duty, following several Arsenal stars returning early to their club during the current break. The situation has generated debate as several high-profile players opted to leave their national teams ahead of upcoming domestic fixtures.
Arsenal are preparing for a crucial phase of the season, with manager Mikel Arteta guiding the team in their pursuit of major honours, including the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup. With so much at stake, ensuring key players are fit and available has become a clear priority for the club.
Withdrawals spark debate
Several Arsenal players have withdrawn from international engagements, prompting differing reactions. Some observers believe the decisions are precautionary, aimed at preserving fitness ahead of important matches, while others have questioned whether such withdrawals undermine international commitments.
There is also curiosity surrounding whether those players who returned early will feature immediately in Arsenal’s next match. Their availability could play a significant role as the team continues its push for silverware across multiple competitions.
Agbonlahor calls for stricter rules
Speaking on Talk Sport, Agbonlahor expressed a firm view on the matter. He said, “(Noni) Madueke, no problem, you pulled out, you got injured against Uruguay, it was quite a hard tackle.
“I look at players like (Jurrien) Timber, (Eberechi) Eze, (Martin) Odegaard, all pulled out because they didn’t play against Manchester City. Those four players, no problem with it.
“But (Piero) Hincapie, (Bukayo) Saka, (Declan) Rice, Gabriel, (William) Saliba, (Leandro) Trossard, (Martin) Zubimendi had no problems against Manchester City. I just don’t think it’s right.
“If I was part of the Premier League and I was making a decision, I would bring in a new rule, you miss the next Premier League game available if you pull out of international duty. I tell you something, players will stop pulling out.”
Arsenal will nevertheless expect that all returning players have undergone appropriate medical assessments before being released by their national teams. The club will be hopeful that none of the individuals involved is carrying significant injuries as they prepare for the decisive fixtures ahead.
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Typical ex players jumping on the we hate Arsenal bandwagon and would suggest anything for them not to win the league internationals are a waste of time and should not be played at a critical time of the season
It’s also worth noting that Tuchel has said that both Rice and Saka wanted to play, but the medical team (England’s) sent them home..
I was told Talk****e had improved their presenters, but what Ginger nut Durham said the other day and now this, from a twerp who didn’t bother to check the facts, I think I’ll rely on Five Live again.
This fella can go jump in the Liffey with his opinions.
Well.if the FA, UEFA Premier League etc stopped.playing so many pointless matches and reduce the payload then likely players will want to play more.
My first reaction to that nugget was anger then it struck me that its by stirring up the biggest UK fanbase (online) and being controversial he gets a seismic reaction.
“If I was part of the Premier League and I was making a decision, I would, blah blah..” End of quote.
Strange indeed that a former player sees fit to punish other players rather than to consider those reasons why arsenal players have good cause to prioritize this most decisive part of the season.
Luckily for players and everyone concerned no one is dumb enough to appoint G. Agbonlahor as an arbiter or as a decision maker as to do so would show a lack of good sense. In his rant he fails to appreciate the bigger issues. He’d rather punish players than to consider anything that is remedial.
He had just one or two International appearance/s, so, he doesn’t actually understand the complexities. You don’t have to blame him.
@Kali
I had no idea. The more we learn the absurd his remark becomes.
Agbonlahor needs to update.
FIFA already has a punishment for this. If a player does not join his international team without a good reason when selected, he can be stopped from playing for his club during those ten days, plus five added days. Also, their own FA can punish as they see fit, with fines or suspensions.
And the Premier League does not make rules that would conflict with those already made by FIFA or The FA.
When did he assume the role of World National team spokes person. National teams have not complained.
Agbonlahor needs punishing for crimes against broadcasting.
Agbonlahor i don’t blame you that is your own opinion and you are entitled to it,it’s people like you that doesn’t mean well for Arsenal.
This from a former play who pulled out of an England squad with a so called hamstring injury in 2011, but was fit enough to play the full 90 minutes for Villa in their next PL game 10 days later 🙄
The problem with picking uninformed, untrained pundits is that they can just speak out of emotions. The truth is Arsenals team is made up of all internationals, including the subs. Any injury has direct effect on the team. Caution is paramount. Agbon has nothing to loose for opening his mouth. Thats the beauty of internet, we listen to all people regardless of substance.