Arsenal players shared 1322 minutes of action ahead of Man City clash and survived injury scares
Eleven Arsenal players took part in the international break which saw hearts both broken and made in qualification for the summer's European tournament, while pointless snubbing left one player with questions and another was forced to play back-to-back matches in full. Mikel Arteta will now start to get back his stars ahead of the weekend when they travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on Manchester City.
Arteta had three players pull out of duty with their countries having initially been called up. Gabriel Martinelli suffered a cut at Sheffield United which had already cost him two Gunners games whilst Gabriel Magalhaes and Bukayo Saka withdrew from Brazil and England respectively due to precaution following some minor problems.
With that in mind, football.london has rounded up all 1322-plus minutes that Arsenal’s players took part in the past week. Some playing significantly more than others.
Jakub Kiwior – Poland – 210'+
Jakub Kiwior started both of Poland's crucial European Championship qualifying matches in the back three, playing on the left side where he could start against Manchester City. However, after the 5-1 over Estonia, Robert Lewandowski and company were forced to a penalty shootout in Cardiff against Wales meaning Kiwior played two full matches including extra time – he didn't take a penalty but will be buoyed by his nation's qualification.
Declan Rice – England – 180'+
Gareth Southgate named Declan Rice captain for England's second friendly of the break against Belgium having already played the full match against Brazil. This came as something of a frustration for Arsenal fans who knew he would then inevitably play both full matches which he of course did, but unlike Kyle Walker and John Stones, he escaped
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