Six Arsenal stars pull out of international duty after Carabao Cup final

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Six Arsenal players have withdrawn from international duty during the current break, with Gabriel Magalhaes the latest to pull out after Sunday’s Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

The Brazilian defender joins William Saliba, Leandro Trossard, Jurrien Timber, Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard in missing their respective national team commitments, with most citing injury concerns.

Gabriel has withdrawn from Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad for friendlies against France and Croatia, citing right knee pain following the Wembley showpiece. Brazilian FA medical tests confirmed the centre-back was not fit to participate in the FIFA international window.

Defensive duo both sidelined

Saliba, who partnered Gabriel in Arsenal’s defence on Sunday, has also pulled out of France duty with recurring pain in his left ankle. The French Football Federation confirmed the defender requires treatment and a minimum ten-day rest period. Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix was called up as his replacement.

Trossard, who played 82 minutes of the final, withdrew from Belgium’s squad following consultation between their FA and Arsenal. The decision came after a recent hip issue sustained by the winger.

Injury list continues to grow

Eze and Timber had already been ruled out before Sunday’s final due to existing injuries. The England winger is expected to undergo a scan this week to determine the extent of a calf problem that forced him to miss the Carabao Cup showpiece.

Arsenal captain Odegaard was omitted from Norway’s squad as he continues recovering from a knee injury that has limited him to just one appearance since February 12. Norway manager Stale Solbakken admitted the decision was precautionary ahead of this summer’s World Cup.

“The most important thing is that he is as well prepared as possible for this summer,” Solbakken said. “And then it would be idiotic to push through something we don’t think is wise.”

The severity of most injuries appears unclear, with Gabriel, Saliba and Trossard’s withdrawals seemingly precautionary measures rather than serious concerns.

Arsenal face a crucial period after the international break, starting with Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-finals on April 4. The Gunners then meet Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League last eight three days later, before a potentially decisive Premier League clash with Manchester City on April 19. Arsenal currently hold a nine-point advantage over the defending champions, though City have a game in hand.