The September international break is finally coming to an end, but it was far from a dream two weeks for Arsenal.
The Gunners needed all the best preparation they could get ahead of a week that includes a North London Derby against Tottenham, a return to the Champions League and a clash with Premier League title rivals Manchester City.
However, it has been almost the complete opposite, with Riccardo Calafiori suffering from an injury on duty with Italy.
That was made worse when Martin Odegaard also picked up an injury while away with Norway, which could see him on the sidelines for an extended period.
Those issues are added to the plethora of other injury and suspension concerns, which include Mikel Merino and Declan Rice.
So with that said, here’s a look at the overall number of minutes Arsenal stars played over the international break compared to rivals Tottenham and Man City.
- READ MORE: Norway doctor drops Martin Odegaard injury update Arsenal fans won’t want to hear before Tottenham
How many minutes did Arsenal players play in the international break?
Arsenal had 12 players away on international duty in the September break, jetting off to compete in competitions for their national side across the globe.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, Kai Havertz, Jakub Kiwior, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber, David Raya, Bukayo Saka, Rice, Odegaard and Calafiori all competed in UEFA Nations League action.
Thomas Partey featured for Ghana in Africa Cup of Nations qualification, while Gabriel Magalhaes played in World Cup qualifiers.
Those 12 stars racked up plenty of minutes while away on international duty, which will see them return in varying physical conditions.
- David Raya – 180 minutes
- Kai Havertz – 180 minutes
- Gabriel Magalhaes – 180 minutes
- William Saliba – 180 minutes
- Thomas Partey – 180 minutes
- Declan Rice – 180 minutes
- Bukayo Saka – 156 minutes
- Oleksandr Zinchenko – 94 minutes
- Jurrien Timber – 70 minutes
- Jakub Kiwior – 45 minutes
- Riccardo Calafiori – 71 minutes (returned injured)
- Martin Odegaard – 157 minutes (returned injured)
Total minutes played by Arsenal players in the September international break: 1,673.
- READ MORE: What is the North London Derby? Everything you need to know about the Arsenal and Tottenham rivalry
How many minutes did Tottenham and Manchester City players play over the international break?
Rivals Tottenham are next up for Arsenal in the North London Derby, with 12 of their players featuring in international duty too.
Spurs are in an advantageous position when it comes to their own injury situation, added to the fact their players played fewer minutes heading into the tie.
Over their 12 international stars, 1,373 minutes were racked up, which is 300 whole minutes less than the Gunners.
Then there’s title rivals Manchester City, who had 14 senior players away on international duty over the September break.
They racked up a huge 1,894 minutes, though some key players such as Rodri and John Stones only played the majority of one match rather than two.
It shows how tough the workload and fixture list is on these players, who are now expected to clash in huge games this week.
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