Just as quickly as Arsenal hit their stride in the Premier League, the October international break comes to bring another stop to the campaign for two weeks.
Mikel Arteta has guided his team through a whole host of tough tests, facing off against Tottenham, Manchester City, Atalanta and PSG in the past month.
While it wasn’t always a comfortable watch, the Gunners passed those tests well and remain in the hunt for Premier League and Champions League glory.
With that now out of the way, the Arsenal boss will be hoping for a kinder international break this time around compared to the last.
Club captain Martin Odegaard suffered an injury while away with Norway in September, which has since seen him out of action, with hopes there won’t be a repeat of that situation.
So with that said, here’s a look at every Arsenal player on international duty over the October break.
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England – Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will join up with the England national team squad to play in UEFA Nations League action.
The pair have been crucial for the Three Lions over recent years and will look to cement their place under interim manager Lee Carsley.
They take on Greece and Finland in a quick turnaround for the national side.
- England vs Greece – October 10
- Finland vs England – October 13
Spain – Mikel Merino and David Raya
European champions Spain have tough tests in the Nations League when they take on Serbia and Denmark.
David Raya keeps his place in the goalkeeping department, while Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino is recalled following a recovery from his shoulder injury.
The Gunners duo will be looking to force their way into the side with their fixtures ahead.
- Spain vs Denmark – October 12
- Spain vs Serbia – October 15
France – William Saliba
France are without captain Kylian Mbappe when they take to UEFA Nations League action over the international break.
Arsenal star William Saliba will be turning out for Les Bleus though, following a call-up to the squad once again.
Didier Deschamps will pick his side to take on Israel and Belgium in the competition.
- Israel vs France – October 10
- Belgium vs France – October 14
Italy – Riccardo Calafiori
After some injury concerns for Riccardo Calafiori, the Arsenal defender has made his way into the national team setup with Italy.
He will have the challenge of facing off against Belgium and Israel in the Nations League, creating some competitive fixtures.
The Gunners will have to keep their fingers crossed that Calafiori doesn’t suffer another freak injury like the previous international break.
- Italy vs Belgium – October 10
- Italy vs Israel – October 14
Brazil – Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli
After an uptick in form in front of goal, Gabriel Martinelli has managed to put himself back in the reckoning for Brazil on the international stage.
The winger is joined by teammate Gabriel Magalhaes, following an impressive spell in both boxes for the Arsenal defender.
Gabriel Jesus has been left out with the striker struggling to find himself a place back in the squad for the World Cup qualifiers.
- Chile vs Brazil – October 11
- Brazil vs Peru – October 16
Belgium – Leandro Trossard
Following another impressive run in the Arsenal side, Leandro Trossard is back in the Belgium squad for the upcoming international break.
The forward now has two goals in the Premier League this season and will look to translate that into performances on the international stage.
In Nations League action, Trossard is set to face off with Calafiori and Saliba, which will create an interesting dynamic.
- Italy vs Belgium – October 10
- Belgium vs France – October 14
Poland – Jakub Kiwior
Jakub Kiwior has received another call to join the Poland squad for the upcoming international break in October.
The defender has struggled for minutes at Arsenal this season, but will be hopeful of making an impression with his nation.
- Poland vs Portugal – October 12
- Poland vs Croatia – October 15
Arsenal were expecting more stars to join up with their national teams, but injuries and fitness concerns have kept them out of action.
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