What Arsenal players really think about international duty revealed as Premier League run-in awaits

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Arsenal have a number of players currently away on international duty, while Mikel Arteta prepares those left at London Colney for the remainder of the season.

The Gunners are out of the Premier League title race but have a Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid to look forward to.

Arteta would no doubt like to have the majority of his squad to work with over this break in the domestic season, but instead, 14 Arsenal players are with their national teams and are taking part in competitive matches.

However, several players weren’t called up, and thus the Spanish manager has some time to work individually with a select few who may need more intense and meticulous coaching.

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Arsenal players reveal what they think of international duty

Fans notoriously find the international break laborious, as they yearn for constant club action, but the two-week interlude in the domestic season allows players to spend some time in their home nation and catch-up with their compatriots.

The Arsenal squad dispersed across the globe after their victory over Chelsea last Sunday, and most will have returned to N5 by Wednesday, giving Arteta almost a week to prepare his team for the home game against Fulham.

Posting a fascinating thread on X, Arsenal sent messages to all their players asking them what excites them about returning to their home country.

Largely citing the opportunity to reunite with friends and family as their favourite aspect of international duty, there were some interesting responses.

Mikel Merino replied: “Really looking forward to seeing some old teammates again and obviously enjoying some Spanish food.”

David Raya echoed the midfielder’s sentiments about Spanish cuisine.

Merino netted a late equaliser for Spain against the Netherlands on Thursday, so he’ll certainly have been enjoying his break from Arsenal.

Meanwhile, Riccardo Calafiori issued a similar response to the question: “To see my people (family, friends and teammates) and the weather.”

Jurrien Timber added: “To see my family and friends of the national team.”

Jakub Kiwior had a slightly different perspective on the question put to him, replying: “I have the pleasure of playing with my coat of arms on my chest.”

How Arsenal’s Premier League run-in looks

Arteta will have the entirety of his ensemble back in training by Thursday, and he’ll no doubt by conjuring up plans of how to concur the final part of the season.

While the focus will largely be on the Champions League, the Arsenal boss will be desperate for his team to finish strongly in the league, and ensure Liverpool don’t win the title with a huge portion of the campaign left.

The Gunners’ fixtures aren’t especially daunting, with Liverpool the only ‘top six’ side left to play, with the North London outfit visiting Anfield in May.

Aside from the trip to Merseyside, home games against European hopefuls Fulham, Bournemouth and Newcastle are the most challenging-looking matches.

Arsenal’s final visit to Goodison Park takes place in early April, which will be a tough game against a rejuvenated Everton side under David Moyes, while the four other encounters look very winnable on paper for Arteta’s men.