Opinion

Four winners and two losers from Arsenal’s international break including a ‘fantastic’ display and a costly suspension

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Arsenal players will be returning to London following their exploits for their national teams.

Arsenal players competed all over the world during the international break as Mikel Arteta enjoyed a period without a game before the crucial end of season run in.

Several Arsenal stars were not selected for their national teams, including the likes of Ben White and Bukayo Saka as they continue to return from long term injuries.

The Gunners will now be itching to get back into action against Fulham at the Emirates Stadium but here’s a look at the sort of form some of their players will be returning with after international performances.

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With Arsenal now set to face a crucial set of fixtures in the Premier League before a mouth-watering tie against Real Madrid in the Champions League, here are the winners and losers from the latest international break.

Winners from Arsenal’s international break

Myles Lewis-Skelly

Myles Lewis-Skelly won his first two England caps under new manager Thomas Tuchel and could not have wished for a better start to his international career.

Lewis-Skelly broke an England record just twenty minutes into his first appearance by becoming the youngest player to score on his Three Lions debut.

The Arsenal defender also made an impact in his second game as Roy Keane praised Lewis-Skelly’s smart play in winning a free kick that led to the opening goal.

Martin Odegaard

Martin Odegaard has struggled for form this season in an Arsenal shirt however, there were extremely encouraging signs on his international exploits for Norway.

Odegaard picked up four assists over the two matches, including three in their 4-1 victory over Israel, prompting Norway team mate Alexander Sorloth to label Odegaard as ‘fantastic.’

Arteta will now be hoping that his skipper can continue that fine form into the rest of the campaign, Arsenal fans have called on the board to help Odegaard by signing some strikers in the summer.

Israel v Norway - European Qualifiers Group I - FIFA World Cup 2026
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Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino has taken his shooting boots from club to country as he rescued a 2-2 draw for Spain in their first leg of the UEFA Nations League quarter final tie against Holland.

The goal proved decisive as the tie eventually went to penalties, where Merino showed Arteta his secret weapon by comfortably converting his spot kick in Spain’s victory.

Merino was lauded as ‘exceptional’ by his Spain boss for his displays and will now be hoping that he can continue to be a menace in front of goal with his auxiliary striker role set to continue.

Thomas Partey

Thomas Partey has scored just eight goals in 157 appearances for Arsenal but the Ghanian midfielder enjoyed a fruitful international break in front of goal with a brace in a 3-0 win over Madagascar.

Ghana’s media were full of praise for Partey as his two goals helped to secure an important win in the World Cup qualifying campaign.

Partey is now fighting for his Arsenal future with his contract set to expire in the summer and it is still unclear whether the club plan to offer him a new deal.

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Losers from Arsenal’s international break

Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori has endured a stuttering first season at Arsenal in terms of fitness and availability and that is set to continue following his travels with Italy.

Calafiori suffered a knee injury whilst playing for Italy in their clash with Germany and it is yet to be revealed how long the defender faces on the side lines.

A medical expert predicts Calafiori has suffered a MCL injury, which depending on the severity could mean up to six weeks out for the Gunners man, meaning he would miss the Real Madrid tie.

Italy v Germany - UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg One
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Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabriel Magalhaes has been in sensational form for Arsenal this season and it became apparent how big of a player he is for Brazil during the international schedule.

Gabriel missed the clash with Argentina after picking up a suspension in his side’s earlier victory over Colombia and returned to Arsenal early.

Good news for Arsenal but bad news for Brazil as his country were destroyed 4-1 by bitter rivals Argentina in their latest World Cup qualifying clash.