A number of Arsenal players who featured for their countries during the International break are now returning to North London, with mixed results.
Several Arsenal stars missed International duties with injury scares, including Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey, and Mikel Arteta has been handed further problems with a number of players who were called up.
Those who did play mostly played well, but some have attracted criticism by the media in their countries after a mixed set of results for Arsenal’s key players.
The squad will now be focusing on their upcoming game against Bournemouth, but here’s how Arsenal’s International players fared during the break.
David Raya
Goalkeeper David Raya started in both games for Spain as the usual number one Unai Simon was injured.
Raya kept clean sheets in victories over Denmark and Serbia, and the 29-year-old has been heavily praised for his displays.
Sections of the media in Spain have labelled Raya an “elite replacement” for Simon, and hinted that he may have earned himself a spot as the National Team’s number-one goalkeeper.
William Saliba
William Saliba started in both of France’s matches against Israel and Belgium, with Les Bleus winning 4-1 and 2-1.
Saliba did not have a good break, as the centre-back gave away a penalty against Belgium, which attracted heavy criticism in France.
Gabriel Magalhaes
Gabriel Magalhaes started in both of Brazil’s games against Chile and Peru, with his side winning 2-1 and 4-0.
Gabriel was the highest-rated player against Chile, but his vertical passing was still a point of criticism in Brazil, whilst he had very little to do against Peru.
Riccardo Calafiori
Riccardo Calafiori started in both of Italy’s matches, which saw his side draw 2-2 with Belgium before beating Israel 4-1.
Calafiori was criticised in Italy as he left Arsenal teammate Leandro Trossard free in the box to score, but he had a better game against Israel, as he started as a left-sided centre-back in a three-man defence.
Jakub Kiwior
It was a tough International break for Poland defender Jakub Kiwior. The defender came on at half time in his side’s 3-1 defeat to Portugal, with his side trailing 2-0 at his introduction.
Kiwior then started as Poland drew 3-3 with Croatia in a dramatic game, but did not cover himself in glory defensively.
Declan Rice
England midfielder Declan Rice started in both of his Nation’s games, as they lost 2-1 to Greece at Wembley Stadium, before beating Finland 3-1.
Rice did not have his best game against Greece in a game in which none of his teammates covered themselves in glory, but the Arsenal midfielder then scored in the victory against Finland.
Mikel Merino
Spain midfielder Mikel Merino used the International break to build up his fitness after an injury layoff, and he took full advantage.
The Arsenal summer signing came on in the 62nd minute against Denmark, and was impressive as he won several tackles in his cameo appearance.
Merino was then superb in the first half against Serbia, but his lack of match sharpness showed as he faded away as the game went on, with both appearances useful for him to get minutes under his belt.
Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli came off the bench to help create Brazil’s winning goal against Chile, but he returned to Arsenal early.
Martinelli appears to have picked up a muscle strain which is still being assessed, and he departed the Brazil camp with his injury scare before their victory over Peru.
Leandro Trossard
Leandro Trossard started in both of Belgium’s matches against Italy and France, and he was electric in the first game as he scored and assisted his side’s goals.
Trossard finished from a corner after beating Calafiori to the ball, which came after he set up Maxim De Cuyper to pull a goal back with his side 2-0 down.
The 29-year-old has been praised for his displays for Belgium, and he is continuing his fine form from the last few Arsenal matches.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka started for England in their 2-1 defeat to Greece, but he exited the pitch after Greece opened the scoring as he had a hamstring complaint.
This could have been a disaster for Arteta, and Saka returned home from the England camp before the Finland trip.
However, fears over a potential injury for the winger have now been alleviated, with Saka expected to be fit to face Bournemouth.
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