“We get a two week break” is often seen when we get an international fortnight. But whilst we fans might get a couple of weeks off, many players often get no rest.
I have sometimes fallen into this trap myself. Thinking “oh its good we have an internatioanl break. Our players can get a rest and come back fresh”, then you realise how many players are on international duty and will not really get a rest.
This time round, the international break could actually be good for Arsenal.
14 of our first team players have been called up, as well as 4 out on loan. 10 first teamers have been left at home.
Whilst over half the squad are on international duty, it could benefit us as some fringe players will get plenty of minutes.
Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka have been called up for England for the double header against Italy and Ukraine. I would expect Saka to start both games. Ramsdale to be on the bench.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has been selected for Ukraine. His national team play just once over the two week period.
Thomas Partey has been called up by Ghana, whilst Martin Odegaard will play against Spain and Georgia.
Granit Xhaka is expected to captain Switzerland against Belarus and Israel
And that is where it ends with our first XI. Just the 5 call-ups, with only 4 expected to play.
Meanwhile, some of the fringe players could get key minutes for their country, keeping them sharp and available for the run in.
Leandro Trossard could lead the Belgium attack against Sweden and Germany, whilst Kieran Tierney will be hoping to feature for Scotland against Spain. Jorginho is in the Italy squad.
Meanwhile, Emile Smith Rowe has been named in the England U21s squad so could use fixtures against France and Croatia to build up match sharpness. Fabio Vieira is another called up to his countried U21 side – still eligible for the Portugal U21s, he will captain the side against both Romania and Norway.
New signing Jakub Kiwior is another in need of minutes and could start for Poland against Czech Republic and Albania.
Finally, both reserve keepers will play for their country. Matt Turner is in the USMNT squad for games against Grenada and El Salvador, Karl Hein could win his 19th and 20th senior cap for Estonia against Hungary and Austria.
The international break will give the club two weeks to get William Saliba and Gabriel Jesus back to full fitness.
Also remaining at London Colney are first teams Ben White, Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli. They are joined by Rob Holding, Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson.
Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mohamed Elneny will continue treatment on their season ending injuries.
Meanwhile, Manchester City have 20 players called up for their country, with many set to start (Note: Haalanmd has now pulled out “injured”).
Ilkay Gundogan and reserve keepers Stefan Ortega and Scott Carson are the only first team squad members to miss out.
With them still having so many more games to play (18 against our 10), this international break could give Arsenal a marginal gain in the title run in.
Keenos
She Wore A Yellow Ribbon 
Pingback: Is Mikel Arteta over taking part in Bukayo Saka? – Premier League Football