Rio Ferdinand believes Mikel Arteta should not be criticised for prioritising his players’ fitness during the title run-in, drawing comparisons with methods once used by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Arsenal F.C. are in a strong position to end their 22-year wait for the Premier League title, holding a nine-point lead over Manchester City F.C.. However, they still face a crucial trip to the Etihad, while also having played one game more than their closest rivals, who recently underlined their quality with a Carabao Cup final win over Arsenal at Wembley.

The international break may have come at the right moment for Arteta, particularly with several key players withdrawing from national duty due to fitness concerns. While this has drawn criticism, Ferdinand suggested it is a calculated move aimed at keeping the squad fresh for the decisive final stretch of the season.

He argued that such an approach is not new, recalling how Ferguson would often urge his top players to limit their involvement with national teams in order to avoid injuries ahead of important club fixtures. According to Ferdinand, protecting key individuals during a title push is simply part of elite management.

Despite concerns over the number of Arsenal players pulling out of international duty, Ferdinand played down fears, suggesting most of them will be available for selection soon, with only a few likely to miss out. He believes the players themselves have bought into the idea of focusing fully on winning the league.

Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel addressed the situation surrounding Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, whose withdrawals from the England national football team squad raised eyebrows.

Tuchel insisted both players were eager to feature and only returned to Arsenal after medical assessments confirmed the risk of aggravating their injuries was too high. He stressed that neither player showed any reluctance to represent their country, explaining that the decision was purely precautionary at this stage of the season.

The England boss acknowledged that the situation might appear suspicious given the number of Arsenal players pulling out, but made it clear he trusts the honesty of both Rice and Saka. He revealed that Rice, who is not yet fully fit, even attempted to train before reporting discomfort, while Saka worked in the gym to try and prove his readiness.

Tuchel maintained that, under different circumstances—such as at the end of the season—both players might have pushed through the issue. However, with major fixtures still ahead, avoiding further injury was the priority for both club and country.

Manchester United F.C. defender Noussair Mazraoui has hinted that he could step away from professional football after the 2026 World Cup.

The Moroccan full-back revealed he is already thinking about life beyond the game, suggesting the tournament could mark the end of his playing career. He explained that his focus may shift toward personal and spiritual goals, including memorising the Quran and potentially becoming an imam in the future.

Despite those comments, Mazraoui remains under contract at United until the summer of 2028, meaning any early retirement would come as a personal decision rather than a contractual necessity.

The 2026 World Cup, which begins on June 11, could therefore represent his final appearance on the global stage. Morocco national football team are set to face Brazil national football team, Scotland national football team and Haiti national football team during the group stage.

His remarks offer a rare insight into a player considering a very different path after football, prioritising faith and personal development over extending his time in the sport.

Marc Cucurella has questioned Chelsea F.C.’s decision to part ways with Enzo Maresca, suggesting the club are now paying the price for a lack of patience—while pointing to Arsenal F.C. as an example of how long-term trust can pay off under Mikel Arteta.

Maresca left Stamford Bridge in January, less than a year after guiding Chelsea to Club World Cup success, a top-four finish, and a Conference League title. However, a dip in form late in the year, combined with internal disagreements, ultimately led to his departure.

His successor, Liam Rosenior, initially made a positive impression, but results have declined sharply in recent weeks. A Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal triggered a poor run that saw Chelsea knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain F.C. and struggle for consistency in the Premier League.

Reflecting on the situation, Cucurella praised Rosenior’s approach but admitted the squad has had little time to fully adapt to new ideas due to a congested fixture schedule. He explained that constant matches leave minimal opportunity for tactical work on the training ground, making it difficult for players to properly implement a new system.

The defender also highlighted the stability Chelsea had under Maresca, noting that the squad had developed a strong understanding of his style over time. By the end of his tenure, players were comfortable enough to adjust seamlessly to tactical changes, something Cucurella believes only comes with consistency and patience.

Drawing comparisons, he pointed to Arsenal’s journey under Arteta, stressing that while success did not come immediately, the club’s long-term belief in their manager is now being rewarded as they compete for major honours.

Cucurella admitted Maresca’s departure had a significant impact within the dressing room, suggesting many players would have preferred continuity. He argued that such a major managerial change would have been better handled at the end of the season, allowing for a proper transition and a full pre-season to prepare.

Beyond the managerial situation, Cucurella also raised concerns about Chelsea’s transfer strategy, which has focused heavily on recruiting young talent. While acknowledging the long-term vision, he suggested that relying too heavily on inexperienced players can make it harder to compete for immediate success.

He emphasised the need for balance, stating that while the club has a strong core, competing for top honours like the Premier League and Champions League requires a mix of youth and experience. Without that balance, he warned, progress could stall despite the potential within the squad.

Chelsea’s recent struggles have left them sixth in the league, six points adrift of the top four. Attention now turns to the FA Cup, where they face Port Vale F.C. this weekend, as they look to keep their hopes of silverware alive.