Wenger slams fixture timing
07 Feb 2008 - 10:30:36
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has hit out at the timing of international friendlies after seeing Mathieu Flamini pick up an injury.
Wenger is furious that the French midfielder picked up an ankle problem while playing for his country's 'B' team against DR Congo on Tuesday.
Flamini, who managed only 20 minutes of the game in Spain, is now a major doubt Monday night's visit of Blackburn Rovers.
The 23-year-old has been a virtual ever-present at the heart of the Gunners midfield this season.
"That is one (set of international friendlies) you could do without," he said.
"I think that if you did a poll of all the clubs involved in the Champions League I wouldn't be surprised if 100 per cent of them said let's get rid of it."
Wenger has already lost Robin van Persie for a lengthy spell this season after he returned from international duty with the Netherlands carrying a knee problem.