Arteta explains Martinelli, Nwaneri omission in Community Shield

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said squad-size restrictions were behind the omission of Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus from his Community Shield group against Manchester City. Matchday squads are limited to 20 players, with 11 starters and nine substitutes.

Arteta said the players should have been available but could not be included under the current allocation rules. He has been in discussions with the Premier League about increasing the number of players clubs can select.

The manager also identified Marli Salmon, who spent the entire pre-season with Arsenal, as another player affected by the limit. Arteta wants the rules changed so such players can remain available for selection and contribute during the season.

Premier League regulations allow players under 21 to take part without being included in the 25-man squad list. That provision means they can play throughout the campaign without using one of the senior squad places.

Nwaneri is among the players Arteta wants accommodated despite the restrictions. The manager’s comments also included Martinelli and Jesus, while Salmon was mentioned as another member of the wider group who missed out.

Martinelli, 25, recently rejected a move to Galatasaray after Arsenal accepted a bid worth £38.9 million. The Brazil international was understood to be unwilling to move to Turkey, leaving him at Arsenal despite the proposed transfer.