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For a man once described by a former World Cup manager as being "on a crusade" against international football, Arsene Wenger's complaints on the subject can sometimes seem too much. This week though, it was hard not to have some understanding. In the last 12 months, Robin van Persie has played as many games for his country as he has for Arsenal. Eight each. But now, just as he nears full fitness again, Bert van Marwijk has brazenly called him up for Holland's friendly against Russia. The last time the Dutch manager did that – against Italy a year ago – Van Persie suffered the ankle injury that severely set back Arsenal's title challenge.
Because the fact is, as much as Wenger probably deplores the fact that can happen when it's Arsenal who pay the player's wages, his team look a different prospect with Van Persie fit. It would be a huge exaggeration to describe them as a two-man team, but there is a rare sheen of authority about Arsenal when both Van Persie and Cesc Fabregas are on song. Crucially, it's a scenario they've rarely enjoyed over the last two seasons. Little wonder if Wenger wanted to keep Van Persie in cotton wool, let alone just stop him travelling.
Another Dutch international manager, however, only backed Van Marwijk. When asked about Wenger's concerns that Andrey Arshavin would be called up for Russia's friendly against Belgium, Dick Advocaat roared "He is always moaning about something... Mr Wenger wants to become the champion of England; I want my team to qualify from the Euro 2012 group. We need to respect the interests of each other."
There's a legitimate question, however, as to whether Wenger would have been more respectful to Van Marwijk had Arshavin actually proved more influential and lessened the blow of Van Persie's injuries. After all, when the Russian first signed for Arsenal on transfer deadline day in 2009, he initially proved he was well worth the trouble. With either a game-changing goal or assist every match for Arsenal, Arshavin illustrated some of the most productive form in the league that season and suggested he was going to add a thrilling third dimension to their attack. One that could have could have compensated for Van Persie.
Since then, Arshavin's form has straightened out to a concrete contribution every second match. Last season, for example, he offered 10 goals and one assist in 25 starts. This season, two goals and four assists in 10. It's certainly not inconsiderable but, as much as Wenger can talk about the amount of chances Arshavin creates, there's been a disappointing flatness about his game since his great start.
He hasn't become the mature force of nature he initially looked – and that's even leaving aside the obscene four-goal haul against Liverpool. Instead, he's illustrated the hot and cold blasts that have characterised his career. Even some of his contributions this season have come towards the end of batterings rather than in the midst of battles. In truth, Arshavin has never quite run a game for Arsenal in the manner he did that night at Anfield or against Van Persie's Holland in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals.
With the Russian only decorating games rather than truly dominating them, Samir Nasri and Jack Wilshere have stepped up. Wenger can only hope that's exactly what Van Persie does on international duty this time.
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