Former Tottenham Hotspur striker Darren Bent believes that Arsenal are now at risk of upsetting one of their star players this summer.
Arsenal centre-back William Saliba will miss out on a once-in-a-career opportunity this summer.
The chance to represent your country in a home Olympic Games does not come around very often. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry will be managing the French football team at this summer’s Paris Olympics.
However, despite the iconic former striker’s request, Arsenal have blocked Saliba from taking part in the competition.
It has now been confirmed that Saliba has been left out of the France Olympics squad. However, he will feature for Les Bleus at this summer’s EUROs competition.
Darren Bent expresses William Saliba concern after Arsenal call
Were the 23-year-old to be allowed to take part in both tournaments he would miss that start of the new domestic campaign. Mikel Arteta will be keen for the defender to get some much-needed rest, and now looks to have gotten his wish.
From an Arsenal perspective, it is vital that Saliba is fit and firing on all cylinders ahead of the new campaign. He is a vital player for the North London club. Saliba made history for Arsenal this season, as he became the first outfield player to ever play every minute of a Premier League campaign for the club. If anyone is in need of a break, it is him.
However, Darren Bent is aware that the player himself may have been keen to feature in the Olympics, even if the Gunners’ actions are understandable.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the pundit stated: “If I was a player, I wouldn’t be happy with it, because I’d love to play in the Olympics. But where’s your recovery time? So, I almost feel like the clubs are protecting their players…for Saliba, who has played every minute of every game in the Premier League campaign this season, he needs to get a rest somewhere or he will break down. I do understand it from Arsenal’s perspective…that being said, if I was a player I’d be desperate to play in the Olympics.”
Arsenal will be secure in William Saliba decision
The 13-cap France international’s importance to Arsenal can scarcely be overstated. Saliba has been described as a “world-class” player by another talkSPORT presenter and former Aston Villa attacker Gabby Agbonlahor.
It has to be assumed that Arsenal and Arteta have discussed and explained their decision to Saliba, and are confident that their actions will not backfire on them with Saliba becoming disillusioned.
After all, as monumental as the Olympic Games is in the wider sporting world, it does not rank as highly as a footballing competition.