Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says Ben White has received 'a lot of love' after England decision

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Ben White has been given “a lot of love” since it was revealed he made himself unavailable for England selection.

The defender chose to miss the recent international friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, with England boss Gareth Southgate saying: “For me that’s a great shame. He’s a player that I really like.”

White has not been involved internationally since leaving Southgate’s squad during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Asked for his view on the situation, Arteta said: “I think he has received a lot of love and you just have to see what his team-mates and everybody in football think of them, especially the ones that have been close to him.

“I think people have respected his decision and hopefully one day he is prepared to represent his country in the best possible way, but that's completely up to him.”

It remains unknown as to the exact reasons why White does not want to be selected for England.

Prior to the latest international break, Southgate moved to reiterate that rumours suggesting White had a bust-up with assistant manager Steve Holland in Qatar are untrue.

Although Arteta did not deny knowing the reason behind White’s decision, he said: “That's a question for him and he's the one who has to reply.”

White's Arsenal and England team-mate Declan Rice has vowed to convince him to return to the international set-up.

Arteta goes up against his former employer in this weekend’s huge top-of-the-table clash against Manchester City in the Premier League.

Having worked as an assistant to City boss Pep Guardiola before taking over at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta still holds huge respect for his old colleague.

Asked if his relationship with Guardiola has changed since moving clubs, Arteta said: “It had to change, but my admiration and what I feel for him, certainly not.

“In my opinion, he is the best coach in the world by a mile and is one of the nicest people that I have met in football, certainly one of the ones that I have had more fun and a laugh working with, and that's going to stay there forever.”

Arsenal top the table on goal difference, with Liverpool level on points in second and City just a point behind them in third.

Arteta’s injury concerns were added to during the international break when Bukayo Saka left England duty early to get treatment for a knock.

The forward has been arguably Arsenal’s most important player so far this season, with 13 goals and eight assists so far.

Speaking about the possibility of Saka, Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli being available to face City, Arteta is holding out some hope.

“There is a chance. They haven’t trained but tomorrow we have another session so there is a chance that they can be available.”

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