Arsenal: Why Kepa Arrizabalaga was allowed to make second international debut amid surprise twist

详细摘要

Gunners handed unexpected boost after surprise squad announcement

Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has been in action during the international break, though not for the Spain national team.

The 32-year-old, who joined the Gunners from London rivals Chelsea in July 2025 for £5million, has 13 senior caps for La Roja, but has not made an appearance since a 2-0 loss to Scotland in March 2023.

Overlooked once again by Luis de la Fuente for Spain’s Nations League double-header against the Czech Republic and England in favour of Unai Simon, Joan Garcia and Arsenal team-mate David Raya, it was set to be a quiet international window for Kepa.

In a surprise turn of events, Kepa was called up to the Basque Country squad for their friendly against Venezuela and made his debut on Saturday, playing 45 minutes of the 1-0 win at San Mames.

While Athletic Club star Mikel Jauregizar scored the only goal of the game, some Arsenal fans may have been left wondering why their back-up goalkeeper was able to play for another national team.

Of course, it is well known that FIFA rules state that players cannot switch national teams after they've played three competitive fixtures.

However, despite Kepa winning 13 senior caps for Spain, he was cleared to play for the Basque Country because they are currently not recognised by FIFA.

As such, the win over Venezuela was not an official match, in the eyes of football's governing body.

Nevertheless, Kepa was able to get valuable minutes in his legs, having made just one appearance for Arsenal so far this season - the 4-2 win over Ipswich in the Carabao Cup third round.

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