Arsenal return to action in the Premier League following the November international break.
Several Arsenal players were on international duty, seeing some rise and some fall during their time away from Colney.
Now that international action has ended for 2024, focus can return to the domestic challenges ahead, with Nottingham Forest up next for the Gunners.
Arsenal could be without as many as seven players against Forest, giving Arteta extra incentive to review how his squad got on over the break in play.
Five Arsenal winners from international break
Martin Odegaard
Odegaard did not report to international duty, which would have been music to Arteta’s ears.
The captain instead remained in North London to continue his recovery following his extensive spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury.
During his time out of the spotlight in Norway, Odegaard has been impressing those at Arsenal as he returns to full fitness just in time for the challenges ahead.
Gabriel Magalhaes
It’s remarkable how much Gabriel has improved since joining Arsenal in 2020, with the centre-back now consistently recognised at international level.
During the November break, Gabriel was dubbed Brazil’s best during the Selecao’s draw with Uruguay in what was another spell on duty to remember.
The 26-year-old’s maturity is shining through, as is his confidence which is a huge plus for the Gunners.
Kai Havertz
Just like Gabriel, Havertz had a successful international break with Germany.
The forward was a catalyst in attack during his country’s 7-0 win over Bosnia, resulting in German fans questioning Havertz’s best position.
An impressive time on international duty was needed for the Arsenal star, who will be eager to get back amongst the goals at the Emirates.
Mikel Merino
It was a strong break for Arsenal’s summer signing too, as Merino earned high praise during Spain’s win over Denmark.
While the midfielder will be pleased with his performance level, that’s not why he’s a winner from the international break, as Arteta will value another thing the 28-year-old did.
Merino did not feature in the Euro 2024 winners’ win against Switzerland, leaving him well-rested on the bench to Arsenal’s benefit.
Jurrien Timber
The same applies in defence, as Timber only played 68 minutes of the international break.
Dutch media approved of Timber’s performance when he was in action, with the most important thing being that he returned to Colney fresh and fit.
It comes at a crucial time for the Gunners, given that Ben White underwent surgery, calling on Arteta’s fullbacks to be ready to compete.
Three losers ahead of Nottingham Forest clash
Leandro Trossard
Trossard suffered an injury for Belgium during their defeat to Israel, seeing him forced to withdraw in the first half.
The 29-year-old’s fitness is yet to be determined, making him a doubt for Forest which comes as a blow considering that he’s already slipping down the pecking order.
- READ MORE: Belgian media agree on Arsenal ace Leandro Trossard’s display before injury in Israel defeat
Jakub Kiwior
Another player who had a lot to prove to Arteta during the international break was Kiwior.
Sadly, the Poland international was unable to bolster his chances at the Emirates, as Kiwior was criticised during the international break.
There might have been a chance for the fullback to secure game time against Forest due to Arsenal’s injury concerns however, such dream might have drifted away following his confidence-damaging time on duty.
Ethan Nwaneri
Another loser for reasons aside from international form is Nwaneri, whose chances of game time will be limited by Odegaard’s return.
The Arsenal skipper was rested over the break, pushing the teenager down the pecking order.
That being said, Nwaneri had an impressive time with England U19, which will fill him with confidence in preparation for the run-in to 2025.
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