Community Shield: Why I dropped Martinelli, Nwaneri against Man City – Arteta

Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta, has said players like Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus were left out of his Community Shield squad due to size restrictions.

Arteta also claimed he is talking to the Premier League to expand their squad number allocations.

Currently, a team can register 25 players aged 21 or over.

Players under the age of 21 do not need to be registered in the 25-man squad list and can play freely throughout the season.

On a matchday, teams can name 20 players – 11 starters and nine substitutes.

Arteta told TNT Sports: “It’s really sad not to have their availability. 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.

“Ethan [Nwaneri] and Marli [Salmon] as well, who has had the whole pre-season with us. Hopefully we can change that rule so players can enjoy on the pitch and can be an option to play and contribute to the team going forward.”

Of the absent players, Martinelli recently turned down a move to Galatasaray despite Arsenal accepting a £38.9m bid, with the 25-year-old understood to be reluctant to move to Turkey.