Following the Carabao Cup final defeat by Manchester City earlier this month, defender William Saliba confirmed he would not be joining up with France because of an ankle injury.

His centre-back partner Gabriel then withdrew from the Brazil squad with a knee problem.

They were later joined by England forward Eberechi Eze (calf), Norway midfielder Martin Odegaard (knee) and Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber (groin) - who all missed the cup final defeat at Wembley through injury - as well as Belgium forward Leandro Trossard (hip).

After players joined up with their respective countries, five more from Arsenal withdrew - England trio Declan Rice (knock), Bukayo Saka (knock) and Noni Madueke (injured his knee against Uruguay) as well as Spain's Martin Zubimendi (knee) and Ecuador's Piero Hincapie (undisclosed).

Arteta said his players were "desperate" to play for their countries.

"When you are fit and available to play for the national team, you have to play," he added.

"It makes us so proud that we had that many players in the national team.

"Players are desperate to play for their nation. I know how important it is to them. We are fully supportive...