The 11 Arsenal players confirmed for international duty as Arteta sweats on further injury scareš³š³
Arsenalās strong and unbeaten start to the Premier League season is interrupted once again by the international break, the second of three before the new year. With another break looming in November, Arsenal sit level on points with Manchester City after four consecutive wins. While Mikel Arteta would likely prefer to keep the momentum going, this break offers a chance for some much-needed rest, particularly for players like Kai Havertz, who withdrew from Germany duty, and others recovering from injury such as Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney.
Despite these absences, 11 Arsenal players are off to represent their countries. Hereās a look at whoās leaving and when they might return:
**England**
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have been called up for Englandās matches against Greece at Wembley and Finland away. Both should have ample time to return and prepare for Arsenalās match against Bournemouth.
**Spain**
David Raya has been called up for Spainās squad and could push to become the first-choice goalkeeper with Unai Simon absent due to surgery. Raya will be joined by Alex Remiro and Robert Sanchez for Spainās games against Denmark and Serbia.
**Brazil**
Gabriel Magalhaes, in excellent form for Arsenal, has been selected for Brazilās matches against Chile and Peru. Gabriel Martinelli also returns to the squad after impressive performances for Arsenal, but Gabriel Jesus remains absent. With Brazilās last match on the Wednesday before Arsenalās next Premier League game, reintegration time will be tight.
**Italy**
Riccardo Calafiori has been included in Italyās squad for Nations League games against Belgium and Israel, but there is still no place for Jorginho, who started Arsenalās recent game against Southampton.
**Poland**
Jakub Kiwior, who has been earning more minutes for Arsenal lately, has been called up by Poland for their Nations League games against Portugal and Croatia. Kiwiorās involvement has grown after starting against Bolton and featuring in recent fixtures, including a key role against PSG.
**France**
William Saliba, regarded as the top centre-back in the Premier League this season, has unsurprisingly been called up by France for their matches against Israel and Belgium. However, Antoine Griezmann will be absent following his international retirement.
Ghana**
Thomas Partey is set to feature in Ghanaās back-to-back matches against Sudan in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers. Arsenal will be hoping he returns injury-free as they continue to utilize him in a versatile role.
**Belgium**
Leandro Trossard has earned a recall to Belgiumās squad for their games against Italy and France, after his form for Arsenal proved impossible to overlook. Despite a red card against Manchester City, Trossard has been crucial, scoring against Leicester and assisting in the PSG match.
With so many key players involved in international action, Arsenal will be hoping for an injury-free break and the opportunity to maintain their strong Premier League form once the players return.Arsenal is currently enjoying a strong and unbeaten start to the Premier League season, sitting level on points with Manchester City after four consecutive victories. However, this momentum is interrupted by the international break, the second of three before the year’s end. While Mikel Arteta may prefer to keep the team’s rhythm, the break provides much-needed rest for several players, particularly Kai Havertz, who withdrew from Germany duty, and others like Martin Ćdegaard, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney, who are recovering from injuries.
Despite these absences, 11 Arsenal players will represent their national teams. Hereās a breakdown of their call-ups and potential return dates:
### **England**
– **Bukayo Saka** and **Declan Rice** have been selected for Englandās matches against Greece at Wembley and Finland away. They should have enough time to return and prepare for Arsenalās next match against Bournemouth.
### **Spain**
– **David Raya** has been called up to the Spain squad and could compete for the starting goalkeeper position with Unai Simon out due to surgery. He will join **Alex Remiro** and **Robert Sanchez** for Spain’s games against Denmark and Serbia.
### **Brazil**
– **Gabriel Magalhaes** and **Gabriel Martinelli** are set to play for Brazil in matches against Chile and Peru. Martinelli returns after impressive performances for Arsenal, but **Gabriel Jesus** remains absent. Given that Brazil’s last match is on the Wednesday before Arsenal’s next Premier League game, their reintegration time may be limited.
### **Italy**
– **Riccardo Calafiori** has been included in Italyās squad for Nations League matches against Belgium and Israel, while **Jorginho** has not been selected despite his recent starts for Arsenal.
### **Poland**
– **Jakub Kiwior** has received a call-up for Poland’s Nations League games against Portugal and Croatia. Kiwior’s role has grown significantly, with starts against Bolton and crucial contributions in recent matches.
### **France**
– **William Saliba**, recognized as one of the top centre-backs in the Premier League this season, has been called up by France for their fixtures against Israel and Belgium. Notably, **Antoine Griezmann** will miss these games following his international retirement.
### **Ghana**
– **Thomas Partey** is set to play in Ghanaās back-to-back matches against Sudan in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers. Arsenal will hope he returns injury-free, as they rely on him in a versatile role.
### **Belgium**
– **Leandro Trossard** has earned a recall to Belgium’s squad for games against Italy and France, following significant contributions for Arsenal, including goals against Leicester and an assist against PSG, despite receiving a red card in the match against Manchester City.
With many key players engaged in international matches, Arsenal will be hoping for an injury-free break, aiming to maintain their impressive Premier League form when the squad reunites.