"They have to make their decisions; I have to make mine," Wenger told reporters on Wednesday. "I cannot consider too much the interest of the national team. I want to keep the squad. We do not want to become weaker. "I have to consider the interest of the player but dominant of that will be the interests of the club. If you can combine the two it is even better but, first, what is important is for the club." England international Walcott has been at Arsenal for 11 years but is no longer a regular starter but Wenger has backed the 28-year-old to reclaim his spot.Arsene Wenger says @Arsenal midfielder Santi @19SCazorla has to start his rehab all over again after his latest foot surgery, pushing the Spaniard's return to the pitch well into the spring -- if he can come back at all. https://t.co/ArBPbyQ9Fu pic.twitter.com/fnqQtN9GAr
— Kwesé ESPN (@kwesesports) December 7, 2017
"He has it in him (to become a first-team regular)," Wenger added. "Of course he is frustrated but he is focused. He doesn't give up at all and is more determined than ever." Arsenal have numerous players whose contracts expire in the next two years, including Alexis Sanchez, Aaron Ramsey, Mesut Ozil and Petr Cech.Make sure you join us soonhttps://t.co/NlFRdJv0aw
— Arsenal FC (@Arsenal) December 6, 2017
"When you pick a team you do not necessarily look how long a contract is," Wenger said. "The shorter the contract is, the more hungry the players are usually. The hunger index drops with the length of the contract." Arsenal have already progressed to the Europa League knockout stages and host Belarus' BATE Borisov in their final group game later on Thursday.Key Arsenal trio will not be sold in January, says Wengerhttps://t.co/zxcbtlSKqk pic.twitter.com/CBMldoVvXa
— The Star (@staronline) December 7, 2017