FA Cup: Arteta Explains Why Declan Rice, Zubimendi Were Left Out Against Mansfield
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has explained the absence of Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi from the squad for the FA Cup fifth round clash against Mansfield Town.
The two midfielders were not included in the matchday squad for the encounter with the League One side.
Arteta made a total of nine changes to the team that secured a 1-0 victory against Brighton in the Premier League earlier in the week.
Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel Martinelli were the only players who retained their places in the starting lineup.
Youngsters Max Dowman and Marli Salmon were also handed starting roles in the FA Cup fixture.
Speaking ahead of the match, Arteta placed premium on the difficulty of cup competitions despite the heavy rotation in the squad.
The Arsenal boss stated that progressing in the FA Cup requires strong focus regardless of the opposition.
Arteta added that the team understands the challenge of the competition and must earn the right to advance to the next round.
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