Perry Groves has urged Arsenal players to fake injuries on international duty to ensure they’re fully fit for Premier League fixtures.Five high-profile players pulled out of Thomas Tuchel‘s England squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Spain, Czechia, and Croatia.Declan Rice is one of them despite making it past the 80-minute mark in five of the games he’s played this seasonGettyDeclan Rice was among those who departed the camp, returning to the Emirates Stadium as he cited ‘injury issues.’However, the Three Lions international started for the Gunners in their 3-0 defeat to Brighton and did not appear to leave the pitch injured.Everton‘s James Garner has been drafted in to replace Rice for the international clashes.While critics have condemned players for opting out of representing their country, former Arsenal winger Groves insists the Gunners midfielder has made the right call.On talkSPORT’s Inside Gooners, he said: “You’d hope there’s conversations with Mikel Arteta and the international managers, and you would be telling your players if they’re going away with their international team to play the first game and then suddenly get a little back spasm.“Seriously, I might be a disgrace to my country for saying it but I’m not bothered. I’ve said before that I want England to do well, but it’s not going to change my life whereas Arsenal winning does.“Let’s be honest, every Arsenal fan will be glued to their phone during the break looking at different international teams and looking at who’s not playing or worrying over why players are getting subbed.“Just go away with your national team, but don’t get injured because that Leeds game is massive. All of them are massive, but because of the way we played against Brighton, a draw against Leeds and the pressure will be ramped up.”Rice fitness concernsRice managed to avoid a red card in the closing seconds of the defeat at the Amex Stadium after losing his composure.Seagulls winger Malick Yalcouye leaned into the England international in order to cause a reaction. Rice then chased down Yalcouye and swiped his legs from underneath him, sending him down to the ground.Tuchel’s long-term focus has now switched to Euro 2028, which will be played on home soilGettyAdditionally, the 27-year-old has been managing a persistent neural issue affecting his lower back and hamstring since early 2026, which restricted his overall impact for Tuchel’s side during the summer World Cup.During the tournament, there was multiple concerns for the midfielder including from Gabby Agbonlahor, who said: “He’s not 100 per cent, let’s put it that way.”Stuart Pearce responded: “Yeah, exactly, but you wouldn’t think it with his performances.“[But] is that [continuing to play while nursing an issue] going to do him more damage and is he likely to break down? If there is a risk there, I think you’d be foolish as a manager to play him.”Arsenal defender Marli Salmon has also withdrawn from the England Under-18 squad due to injury.The highly-rated prospect was handed his first senior outing of the season in the 4-2 win over Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup last Tuesday.Arsenal have strong expertise in developing young starsGettyUnder-18 boss Will Antwi has since called up Chelsea defender Gabriel Sambou instead, who has represented Poland and England at youth level. The youngster should hopefully return to action for the club’s Under-21 side in a Premier League 2 fixture against Sunderland, unless Mikel Arteta includes him in the squad for the Premier League meeting with Leeds on the same day.