11 November 2023 , 04:00
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Mikel Arteta has told Aaron Ramsdale that demanding a January exit could turn out to be a big error.
England keeper Ramsdale, 25, has not started a Premier League game since August 3. That is not likely to change at home to Burnley today, with David Raya expected to keep his place between the sticks.
Ramsdale is anxious not to lose his place in the Three Lions squad ahead of next summer's Euro finals. And national team manager Gareth Southgate has made it clear that if he goes six months without regular club action then his place is up for grabs.
Gunners boss Arteta insisted however that the picture could have changed significantly by March. He said: "My door is open to speak about any player.
"We want the best for our players and we know the influence that we can have - sometimes positively, sometimes not so positively. We will always try to do our best to help them but this is a team sport that needs 24 players that have to fulfil a role.
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"And the role that you have in August, it might be very different to the one you have in March. The team has certain needs that has to be accomplished.
"And you cannot do it with six, 10 or 14 players. It is impossible. You need everyone and Aaron has a really important role in the team. We want Aaron with us, that’s for sure."
Ramsdale has only played in the Carabao Cup in recent weeksArteta is sweating on the fitness of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Eddie Nketiah, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Gabriel Jesus. Saka has nevertheless been named in the England squad for qualifiers with Malta and North Macedonia later this month.
Jesus faces the prospect of flying to South America just for an assessment on a hamstring problem. Arteta was hopeful Brazil coach Fernando Diniz could be persuaded to allow the striker to stay in London however.
He said: "We always try to speak to the national teams and find a common sense. The only important thing here is the interest of the player and after, when we have secured that, what is the best interest of the national team and the club."
The Gunners boss was also hopeful that his angry tirade against the officials after last week's 1-0 loss at Newcastle will not end up in a fine from the FA.
Arteta branded the decision to allow the goal as "embarrassing" and a "disgrace", and a charge could follow. He said: "I have to be consistent and I always try to be honest and transparent, act with integrity and defend my beliefs. Hopefully I am not in trouble and this can be taken in a constructive way and we can move forward."