Arsene Wenger insists players will not be allowed to leave Arsenal in January to fulfill World Cup dream

Arsene Wenger has insisted that he will not allow players to leave Arsenal in January just so they can fulfill the demands set by their national team managers to play more in order to make the final 23-man World Cup squad.

The French coach has also made it clear that his selection process will not be altered in the New Year as the club's needs will always be first priority rather than the players'.

The likes of Olivier Giroud and Jack Wilshere have been urged by their respective national team bosses to ensure they get regular playing time in the Premier League to have a chance of making the cut for next summer's showpiece event in Russia.

The duo have been regulars in Wenger's squad in the Europa League and Carabao Cup, but have struggled to break into the Premier League side on a regular basis. Giroud, who is a starter for France, has managed just 234 minutes in the league with all his 12 appearances coming off the bench owing to Alexandre Lacazette's presence as the manager's first choice number nine.

Wilshere, on the other hand, has managed just 65 minutes in the English top-flight and admitted that he could look elsewhere for regular game time if he is not afforded the same at Arsenal. The England international has been impressive when given the opportunity, but Gareth Southgate is keen for him to play every week in the league.

"I have to consider the interest of the player but dominant of that will be the interests of the club and if you can combine the two it is even better but first is what is important for the club," Wenger said ahead of Arsenal's Europa League game against BATE Borisov, as quoted by the Daily Mail.

"They have to make their decisions, I have to make mine. I cannot consider too much the interest of the national team, even if I support France. I can only play with 11 players and the players have to deal with that and so do I.

"Overall I try to give them competition, which is what they have had until now. But these are discussions I have had with the players. It's part of it," the French coach explained.

The Gunners' clash against BATE in the Europa League will be their last involvement in Europe until February when the tournament will resume. The Carabao Cup will continue until February, if Arsenal make it to the latter stages while the FA Cup begins in January.

Wenger is not keen to weaken the squad with the team fighting on four fronts, but admits that it will be difficult to keep all his players happy. However, he feels that it is part of the game and the player should be able to deal with the competition for places.

"It is anyway difficult to keep them happy," Wenger added. "You cannot keep players happy, but they deal well with it and it's a problem we all have to deal with.

"As a player, they fight and I must say this is a job where you always have to be ready. When you are called up you have to be ready.

"Some manage to do it, some not. In the squad, this season more than ever, I cannot see a weakness in anyone's motivation and quality in training," the Frenchman explained.