Arsene Wenger has warned his players to remember who pays their wages as he tries to guard against the potential distraction of next year's World Cup.
Arsenal's multinational squad is full of players who can expect to be playing for their countries in South Africa.
"For me, the big season is with Arsenal, not the World Cup," he said.
"We don't pay players to go to the World Cup - we pay them to do well for Arsenal. The first pride of a man is to do well for the guy who pays you."
Wenger's comments may be in part motivated by the injuries his players have suffered in recent weeks while on international duty.
Key striker Robin van Persie is expected to be out for at least four weeks after damaging ankle ligaments when playing for the Netherlands in a friendly against Italy earlier this month.
Midfielder Andriy Arshavin aggravated a groin injury playing for Russia in a World Cup qualifier against Wales in September and full-back Kieran Gibbs picked up a minor ankle injury with the England Under-21s.
Wenger was also unhappy when forward Theo Walcott played for both the senior England team and the Under-21s in the summer, warning that the 20-year-old was being overused.
Walcott has since endured an injury-plagued start to the season, although he did return to action against Sunderland on Saturday.
Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas said he could understand Wenger's opinion, but insisted that playing for Spain at the World Cup would only be possible if he played well for Arsenal.
"He wants Arsenal to do well and the international teams are secondary," said Fabregas.
"Sometimes I don't play for Spain - I am on the bench. So definitely I want to play well for Arsenal to start in the World Cup.
"Definitely on my mind in a World Cup year is to play well with Arsenal and be a starter for Spain."
Arsenal can secure a place in the Champions League knockout stages with a draw against Standard Liege at the Emirates on Tuesday.
Arsenal's multinational squad is full of players who can expect to be playing for their countries in South Africa.
"For me, the big season is with Arsenal, not the World Cup," he said.
"We don't pay players to go to the World Cup - we pay them to do well for Arsenal. The first pride of a man is to do well for the guy who pays you."
Wenger's comments may be in part motivated by the injuries his players have suffered in recent weeks while on international duty.
Key striker Robin van Persie is expected to be out for at least four weeks after damaging ankle ligaments when playing for the Netherlands in a friendly against Italy earlier this month.
Midfielder Andriy Arshavin aggravated a groin injury playing for Russia in a World Cup qualifier against Wales in September and full-back Kieran Gibbs picked up a minor ankle injury with the England Under-21s.
Wenger was also unhappy when forward Theo Walcott played for both the senior England team and the Under-21s in the summer, warning that the 20-year-old was being overused.
Walcott has since endured an injury-plagued start to the season, although he did return to action against Sunderland on Saturday.
Gunners captain Cesc Fabregas said he could understand Wenger's opinion, but insisted that playing for Spain at the World Cup would only be possible if he played well for Arsenal.
"He wants Arsenal to do well and the international teams are secondary," said Fabregas.
"Sometimes I don't play for Spain - I am on the bench. So definitely I want to play well for Arsenal to start in the World Cup.
"Definitely on my mind in a World Cup year is to play well with Arsenal and be a starter for Spain."
Arsenal can secure a place in the Champions League knockout stages with a draw against Standard Liege at the Emirates on Tuesday.
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