Recently, former Arsenal winger Perry Groves stated during a guest appearance on a program that he believes Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka should avoid playing both matches during the upcoming international break to preserve their energy for Arsenal's quadruple challenge.
Arsenal currently leads the Premier League table by 9 points, and will also face Southampton in the FA Cup quarter-final on April 4th. Additionally, Arsenal will take on Manchester City in the EFL Cup final. After Tuesday's victory over Bayer Leverkusen, Rice admitted he was "exhausted" and revealed the significant toll of the intense schedule. England will play two friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan later this month, and several Arsenal players are expected to be included in Thomas Tuchel's squad.
During the program, former Arsenal winger Groves said: “When a team is not performing well, there tend to be more injuries. Looking at Arsenal now, they did suffer an injury crisis at the start of the season, but they have overcome it. Hopefully everything goes smoothly from here.”
“I hope Rice was just speaking casually earlier, and I also hope Saka and Rice have already communicated with Tuchel—only play one of the two friendly matches and rest in the safest way possible. If they can't reach an agreement, then tell Rice, Saka and other England internationals: 'You should directly tell the national team coach that you have a stiff calf or slight back discomfort, don't play, and return to the club as soon as possible.'”
“Because this will be the most important stage of their careers. I don't care about national team matches, nor do I care about the World Cup. From a club career perspective, Arsenal is on the verge of making history. So even if they have to miss a national team match, it's not a big deal. This kind of opportunity doesn't come every season.”
“Arsenal Football Club should now take priority over the national team. For me, the club is more important than the national team. I would rather Arsenal win the EFL Cup than England win the World Cup.”
“The joy brought by the Gunners winning the championship is far greater. If England loses the World Cup, you'll be sad for a day or two at most; but as an Arsenal fan, you'll feel heartbroken for two or three weeks if the team loses a championship.”
