Juan Mata feels that Santi Cazorla doesn’t get the respect that he deserves from Spain.
On Saturday Cazorla will watch from the sidelines as Arsenal travel to Old Trafford looking to go 10 points clear of Jose Mourinho’s side to reinforce their title credentials.
Mata was given a 45 minute run out at Wembley last night but there was no place for Cazorla in the Spanish squad despite a number of call-off’s.
Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui has overlooked the Arsenal midfielder since taking charge of the national team with Mata admitting that Cazorla has his work cut out to get back involved.
‘Obviously, the national team manager and his staff watch our games but I do not think that [playing abroad] has an influence in the call-up.
‘The media do not talk too much about what happens here (in England). Santi Cazorla comes to my mind. He is a super important player, one of Arsenal’s captains but in Spain he is not so recognised.’
The good news for Gooners is that Cazorla is fit and refreshed for Saturday’s lunchtime trip to Old Trafford while many of his team-mates are in transit from around the globe.
Arsenal will assess the fitness of Alexis Sanchez when he returns from international duty after scoring twice in Chile’s 2-1 win over Uruguay.
