Emery on the defensive after no Arsenal player is part of the England squad

Unai Emery has defended Arsenal from criticism because none of his players were part of the last English team.

The Gunners were the only among the top six in the Premier League not to have called Gareth Southgate for the Euro 2020 qualifier wins over the Czech Republic and Montenegro.

The injured Danny Welbeck would probably have been involved had he been fit, but Emery admits that it's not correct that a club of Arsenal stature does not provide more to the national team.

However, he is confident that there are many young talents at Emirates Stadium who will soon make their entry into the senior teams of Arsenal and England.

"Danny would have been with the national team before his injury, but it's just that every team needs English players," he said.

When asked if Arsenal had young players capable of making a difference for England in the future, he replied, "Yes, of course we do it.

"We have players here who are now under 18, under 19, under 20 and under 21 with England, we have a lot of them with the opportunity to grow with us and be part of our future – and also be with the national team. "

The future of Welbeck's club remains uncertain, reports suggesting that the Gunners are unlikely to propose an extension of the contract that expires at the end of the season.

For the moment, Emery is more concerned about the return of the striker who has injured his ankle in the last games of the campaign.

"He's doing very well, he's working and starting to hit the ball, working on the field," said Emery. "His progress with a great injury is going very well.

"It's difficult [for him] to play games this season, but now he is progressing very well and maybe the doctor says that he can train or play with us in the last few weeks of the season. "

Arsenal resumes its Premier League campaign at home against Newcastle United on Monday. Manchester United's win over Watford on Saturday brought him back to fifth place.

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Emery thinks his players have the quality to rank among the top four and return to the Champions League, although consecutive losses against Manchester City and Chelsea at the start of the season have suggested otherwise.

"We deserve to have this important moment in our hands and be optimistic about our place in the top four," he said. "When we were in the table for the last time after losing to Man City and Chelsea, I may not have those expectations.

"Newcastle will be very difficult, we need another great performance."