Arteta in clear disagreement with Klopp ahead of Liverpool vs Arsenal

Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp delivered contrasting verdicts on the international break as they spoke ahead of Saturday's mouth-watering Premier League clash between Liverpool and Arsenal.

Gunners manager Arteta was keen to highlight the benfits of Emile Smith Rowe's time with England over the last fortnight, during which he made his debut and scored a goal on his first start.

This allowed the playmaker, 21, to build on his fine club form, having scored three goals in his previous three Premier League games.

However, Klopp declared he "hates" international breaks after witnessing numerous first-team players succumb to injury.

The Reds boss has regularly criticised the physical burden on players in the modern age and felt particularly aggrieved as he spoke on Friday.

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Liverpool may be forced to host Arsenal without starting left-back Andy Robertson and captain Jordan Henderson after they suffered a hamstring complaint with Scotland and groin tightness with England respectively.

"I hate international breaks and it didn't help with the injuries," Klopp told reporters.

"The break was not helpful, I would have loved to have played the week after [the 3-2 defeat by West Ham United].

"Coaches have their own targets and very often think they have to do physical work with the players. The break was not helpful."

Conversely, Arteta believes the international break is "very, very beneficial" for his players, as representing one's country should be a "reward" for strong performances at club level.

"Well, I see it as a reward," the Spaniard said.

"In Emile's case, because it was his first time, not only for what he's doing on the pitch but the maturity he's shown to handle many different situations that happened very, very quickly for him in his career and in the last few months.

"I just see enjoyment and happiness.

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"For them to be bonding together in that elite environment I think it's very, very beneficial."

Smith Rowe has arguably been Arsenal's standout player this season and came off the bench to earn his first senior England cap in the 5-0 victory over Albania last Friday.

Gareth Southgate then handed him his full debut for the trip to San Marino on Monday night, when the Three Lions cruised to a 10-0 victory.

Smith Rowe scored in the second half after assisting Harry Kane, so he has returned to Arsenal full of confidence.