With only seven games left in the 2025/26 Premier League season, the league leaders have received a blow, with 11 Arsenal players withdrawing from international duty.
What initially appeared to be routine load management has quickly developed into a major concern for Mikel Arteta, with key players across the spine of the team now sidelined or struggling with fitness issues.
A Full XI Missing as Injuries Mount
The scale of the problem is striking, with 11 Arsenal players with fitness concerns ahead of a crucial stint of the season.
Players including Martin Odegaard (knee), Eberechi Eze (calf), Jurrien Timber (groin) – who all missed the cup final defeat at Wembley through injury- and Leandro Trossard (hip), William Saliba (ankle) and Gabriel Magalhaes (knee), are among those to have pulled out from international duty.
They are now joined by England‘s Bukayo Saka (knock), Declan Rice (knock)and Noni Madueke (knee), Spain’s Martin Zubimendi (knee int) and Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie (undisclosed), who have returned early from international duty.
Tuchel Defends Players Amid Scrutiny
The situation has not gone unnoticed. Questions have been raised about whether some 11 Arsenal players’ withdrawals are precautionary rather than necessary, particularly given Arsenal’s position in the Premier League title race.
However, Thomas Tuchel has strongly defended his England-Arsenal players, insisting their injuries are genuine. He confirmed both arrived in camp carrying issues and were withdrawn after medical assessments showed they were not fit to play.
While he ‘understood’ the suspicions, Tuchel explained that he has “no reason to believe” the Arsenal players in his squad were being dishonest with him and the England medical staff.
He explained that both players “wanted desperately” to take part in Tuesday’s friendly against Japan, but said a national team medical assessment found the risk of aggravating their injuries was “way too big.”
“I understand the look of it. I still have 100% trust in the honesty of Bukayo [Saka] and Declan [Rice]. We did medical tests. I saw them,” said the German.
“Declan was even out on the pitch. He did not come and say, ‘Guys, I’m going home.'”
A Brutal Schedule Adds to the Problem
11 Arsenal players with injury concerns come at the worst possible time. The club remain in the hunt for major honours, with crucial matches in the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League all on the horizon.
The physical toll of that schedule is now evident. Several players picked up issues during recent matches ahead of the international break, including the Carabao Cup final, before reporting to international duty already carrying knocks.
This raises a broader question about workload management. Modern elite players are expected to perform continuously across club and international football, often with minimal recovery time.
Arteta Facing Defining Test With 11 Arsenal Players Reportedly Injured
For Arteta, this period could define Arsenal’s season. Managing minutes, rotating effectively and avoiding further injuries will be just as important as tactics on the pitch. But with 11 Arsenal players withdrawing from international break duty due to injury concerns, just much can Arteta do?
The hope inside the club will be that many of these withdrawals are precautionary rather than long-term setbacks. But even short absences can disrupt rhythm, especially in key fixtures against top opposition.
Arsenal have built their campaign on consistency and squad balance. That balance is now under serious strain.
If they are to maintain their push for silverware, they will need not just quality, but resilience to navigate what is quickly becoming their toughest challenge of the season.
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Is the Treble Still On?
Arsenal’s fight for the quadruple was unsuccessful, with Manchester City taking the Carabao Cup title ahead of the international break.
The two sides are also rivals for the Premier League title race this season. However, Arsenal are ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side by nine points. It is worth noting, though, that Man City have a game in hand.
The FA Cup is still up for grabs as well. Following the international break, club football will resume, with the FA Cup quarter-finals taking place between Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5. Arsenal will be facing Championship side Southampton on Saturday night.
The Gunners are also still in the running for the elusive UCL title. They will travel to Lisbon, Portugal, to face Sporting in the first leg of their quarter-final clash.
With the treble still in sight, how much will 11 Arsenal players withdrawing from international duty impact the London side’s quest for glory?
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Laci Perenyi
Recording Date: 11.03.2026
