Wenger fumes at no-shows

Gunners boss calls for Fifa action

By Chris Burton   Last updated: 21st November 2008

Arsene Wenger Arsenal manager

Wenger: Disappointed

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Arsene Wenger wants Fifa to punish those sides who withdraw players from international friendlies.

The Arsenal boss is furious at clubs that continue to pull their key men from international duty, only to then call upon those stars when domestic action resume days later.

The Frenchman insists that he never prevents any members of his squad from joining up with their respective countries, but feels that policy now puts him in the minority.

Arsenal's Premier League title rivals Liverpool and Chelsea both withdrew players ahead of the midweek round of fixtures, while Manchester United ruled out Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand before England boss Fabio Capello had announced his squad to face Germany.

The Gunners, though, paid the price for their leniency, as Theo Walcott is facing three months on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder while training with the Three Lions in Berlin.

It is precisely that kind of situation which top clubs are unwilling to risk, but Wenger believes any player who failed to fulfil their commitments to their country should be barred from playing in their club's next game.

"It would be very interesting for Fifa and Uefa to make a study of players who have not played in any national team and who will play on Saturday or on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Champions League," said the Gunners chief.

"That would be the interesting thing to see.

Cautious

"I just think it's a sad situation that a friendly game was before games five and six in the Champions League and before important league fixtures.

"Many players have pulled out because this friendly is very badly positioned.

"We've never withdrawn any player. Our players, unless they have a big injury, we send them.

"We ask them to be cautious with them, especially in friendlies - and this usually happens with national teams because they are not crazy.

"The rules exist. If players are injured and did not play the game before, they do not have to report for the game.

"If the player has played in the game before, you have to send them to get examined by the doctor and they decide if a player comes back or not.

"Theoretically, if you do not play in the national team, you cannot play in the game after in the championship - that is the rule. That is why we always send our players.

"You have to ask the question is the fixture wrong or are the players wrong? I say the fixture."