Arsenal Football Club

• Nickname:Gunners
• Founded:1886
• Manager:Arsene Wenger

• Ground:Emirates
• Capacity:60432

Arshavin blow annoys Wenger

10 Sep 2009 - 14:41:59

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Furious Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has criticised Russia coach Guus Hiddink for playing Andrey Arshavin in Wednesday's World Cup qualifier against Wales.

The midfielder aggravated a groin injury during the 3-1 victory that will sideline him for a fortnight even though the Gunners had highlighted the problem to Hiddink before the 28-year-old was called up for international duty.

Arshavin will miss Arsenal's next three matches, against Manchester City, Standard Liege and Wigan Athletic.

Wenger said: "We lost Arshavin, who played with Russia last night and should not have played. He's out for Saturday, for Wednesday and certainly as well for Wigan.

"I took him out at Manchester United because of a groin problem. He did not play in Russia's first game (last Saturday against Liechtenstein) but played last night.

"He should not have played and is injured. You can say a lot about it but it does not do a lot. All the players are not back yet, so we have to wait a bit to see what damage has been done by the international games."