Former Arsenal winger Perry Groves believes Arsenal players are withdrawing from international duty citing injuries to ensure they are in peak condition for Premier League matches.

Five high-profile players, including Declan Rice, have withdrawn from Thomas Tuchel's England squad for UEFA Nations League matches against Spain, the Czech Republic, and Croatia.

Despite external criticism of Arsenal players declining to represent England, Groves believes Arsenal midfielder Rice made the right decision. Speaking on talkSPORT's "Inside Gooners" show, Groves said: "You want a conversation between Mikel Arteta and the England manager. If a player plays in the first international match and then suddenly gets a slight back strain, that's how the issue should be handled."

"To be honest, I could be seen as unpatriotic for saying this, but I don't care. I've said it before—I want England to do well, but that doesn't affect my life, whereas Arsenal winning does. And honestly, Arsenal fans will have their eyes glued to their phones during England matches, checking the different squad lists, seeing who isn't playing, or worrying why a player was substituted."

"Go ahead and fulfill your international duty, but don't get injured because the match against Leeds United is very important. Every match is important, but given our performance against Brighton, if we only draw with Leeds, the pressure will increase even more."

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