Community Shield: Why I dropped Martinelli, Nwaneri against Man City – Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that players Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri, and Gabriel Jesus were omitted from his squad for the Community Shield match due to squad size restrictions.
Arteta stated he is in discussions with the Premier League about increasing the number of players a team can register. Currently, Premier League rules allow clubs to register 25 players aged 21 and over. Players under 21 do not need to be included in the 25-man list and can participate freely throughout the season.
On matchdays, teams may select 20 players, which includes 11 starters and nine substitutes.
“It’s really sad not to have their availability,” Arteta told TNT Sports. “I’ve been fighting with the Premier League to extend and accommodate more players in the squad because they deserve to be in the squad, there’s no question.”
He mentioned that Nwaneri, along with Marli Salmon, who has trained with the team throughout preseason, also deserves a spot in the squad. Arteta expressed hope for changes to the current rules, allowing more players to have the opportunity to contribute on the pitch.
Regarding Martinelli, the player recently declined a transfer to Galatasaray, despite Arsenal having accepted a £38.9 million bid for him. The 25-year-old is reportedly hesitant to move to Turkey.
