Wenger frustrated by break

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Last updated: 17th November 2008

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Wenger: Bemoans international schedule

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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes the current international break will hamper his side's recovery from defeat to Aston Villa.

The Gunners were stunned 2-0 at Emirates Stadium at the weekend to add to a disappointing campaign, in which they have also lost to Fulham, Hull and Stoke.

And Wenger - who takes his team to Manchester City on Saturday - now admits that he would rather his players remained in North London than represent their countries.

Wenger is eager to boost his players' spirits, but the Frenchman is unable to do so because some members of his squad have reported for international duty.

"It is frustrating we can't pick them up because of the international week," he told Arsenal's official website.

"At some stage, we would have liked to focus on something different then come back and re-focus again."