Kai Havertz and six other Arsenal players set for extra training during international break

The international break comes at a good time for Arsenal in some ways, and in others, it might be a frustration. Mikel Arteta spoke after the September international break, which followed Liverpool's defeat, about how he would have preferred to jump straight back in.

“After a defeat, you want to have a game in the next three days, get it out of the system,” he said. “It is what it is.

“But at the same time, I look at the players' international duties and how they've grown. The role that they have in the teams, the impact that they're having in every single match, and I feel pride because they can lose a game and they can go to the national team, they can click again, perform, and most of them win, and they're very important in those wins.”

Unfortunately, despite many players having strong games for their nations last time, particularly Martin Odegaard, the captain has already pulled out of the Norway side with a knee issue. He joins six other senior stars at the Sobha Realty Training Centre who are set to stay behind while their teammates are away with their respective nations.

Of the seven, two are not staying behind because of injury and have simply not been called up. Ben White is yet to return to action with England despite Thomas Tuchel admitting that the full back is willing to make his return.

The Three Lions have a wealth of talent in the role, and White is only just still reintegrating after being injured. He also has the challenge of trying to displace arguably the best player in Arsenal’s squad this season: Jurrien Timber.

He joins Kepa Arrizabalaga who was not called up for Spain. David Raya has of course been selected but the former Chelsea man has made just one senior appearance for Arsenal, in the 2-0 win over Port Vale in the League Cup third round.

Odegaard will be in the rehabilitation and medical departments alongside Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Noni Madueke. All three are looking to return from longer-term issues in the coming months, but Jesus is already back out on the grass.

Meanwhile Arteta admitted that Piero Hincapie would return after the international break. He therefore could be embarking on some important sessions with the Spaniard.

All seven, therefore, are able to do some work, whether it be physical or off-the-field, with the manager and coaching staff. With the tricky winter period approaching and most weeks containing two fixtures, the Arsenal boss will be keen to have as much of his squad available as feasibly possible.

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