Arsene Wenger has admitted he believes his players first priority should be to Arsenal, not their country.
The Gunners boss made the claim in the build up to Tuesday night's Champions League clash against Standard Liege, in which Theo Walcott is expected to start.
Wenger said: "For me the big season is with Arsenal. We do not pay players to go to the World Cup; we pay them to do well for Arsenal.
"The first pride of a man is for the guy who pays you in life," the Frenchman added.
A disgruntled sounding Wenger referred to his young prodigy individually to reinforce his point: "Why should I not be frustrated?
"The guy asks me if it's an important season because Theo is going to the World Cup. The World Cup is in June. Is he on holiday until 9 June? He's paid by Arsenal every week to perform, and well paid.
"A guy who has a poor season has a poor World Cup. It's as mathematical as that. A guy who wins with his club goes to the World Cup and has a good chance to win it because [opposing] players are not afraid of you if you do nothing all season."
Arsenal, who will qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League with a victory tonight, will welcome Kieron Gibbs back into their squad.
The left-back is expected to continue deputising for Gael Clichy having recovered from an ankle injury sustained while playing for England's Under-21 team.
Another player who could return is Carlos Vela, who will hope to take advantage of injuries to Robin van Persie and Nicklas Bendtner.
Of the Mexican, Wenger said: "[He] is a fantastic talent and he is 20 years old.
"We have invested a lot of time for him because we put him in Spain for two years, got him back and now we work with him every day."
Vela has been likened to former Liverpool favourite Robbie Fowler and Wenger continued: "He needs very little time to make a decision in the box.
"He is relaxed when he finishes and he has very short back-lift. He is left-footed and he is a similar size."
-By David Brenchley
Source: DSG
