Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has blasted the managers of Belgium and the Netherlands for playing Thomas Vermaelen and Robin van Persie this week, despite the duo's respective injuries.
The Frenchman confirmed that defender Vermaelen is a doubt for the Gunners' trip to Liverpool due to an ankle injury, while Van Persie could miss out with a groin problem.
"Belgium has made a decision [with Vermaelen that] I still don't understand and I still will look if we cannot put a complaint in because they forced the player to travel first and then they forced him to play 90 minutes after being injured," said Wenger.
"[Netherlands coach Bert van Marwijk] knew [Van Persie] was injured because he said despite his groin problem he will play him.
"Personally, I think that the friendlies are becoming more and more difficult to accept. It's disrespectful to the players as well."
Despite the Gunners' injury woes, Wenger did confirm that Abu Diaby is available for selection.
Danielle Joynson
