Wenger would ‘find it difficult to understand’ if national team manager played Arsenal star in friendly

 

Managers don’t particularly like international breaks, but they put up with them.

Training and conditioning is completely out of their control, meaning injuries sustained during the two weeks are even more frustrating, as has been the case for Alexis Sanchez and Marouane Fellaini so far, among others.

Having already seen one of his stars injured, Arsene Wenger would prefer if some of his players didn’t take part in friendlies, including Laurent Koscielny.

Speaking to BeIN Sports in France, relayed by RMC, the Arsenal manager was asked about Didier Deschamps’ team selection.

He said: “When it’s for a competition, I never intervene. I understand if he plays against Sweden, but I’d find it difficult to understand if he played the entire game against the Ivory Coast when we have to play Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.”

The French defender is, when fit, one of France’s undisputed starters, having been so for quite some time now, partnering Raphaël Varane when possible in Didier Deschamps preferred centre-back pairing.

The 31-year-old, who earned his first cap on the 11/11/11, has since made 40 appearances for his country, scoring one goal.