Mikel Arteta defended the decision to pull Bukayo Saka out of the England squad during the November international break.

Saka, along with club team-mate Declan Rice, was one of nine England players to pull out of squad for the Nations League wins over Greece and Republic of Ireland.

England captain Harry Kane put out a thinly veiled dig at those who pulled out by saying that they had "taken advantage" of international duty.

Saka returned to fitness on Saturday to get a goal and an assist in Arsenal's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, but Arteta hit back at those who accused the winger of putting country before club.

"Well we can send [them] an MRI scan, it's very simple. That's a communication that was very clear between the medical staff of Arsenal and the England national team," said Arteta.

"He hasn't done anything, he was away and needed time to heal.

He's done one training session."