Nine Arsenal players set for extra training as Kai Havertz and Noni Madueke returns near

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Arsenal are due to have nine senior stars stay behind during this international break, with Mikel Arteta

The international break looks to be something of a blessing for Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal side. Fresh off their first dropped points since the draw with Manchester City in September, while there might be some desire to get straight back to winning ways, here, the cavalry’s return takes precedence.

Speaking of which, Arteta has as many as nine players staying behind with the group at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. Some are still recovering from injuries and stepping up their rehabilitation, while others were simply not picked.

In the latter camp, both Kepa Arrizabalaga and Ben White have been in the boat for the whole of the current season. However, Myles Lewis-Skelly was omitted from Thomas Tuchel’s squad for the first time in 2025/26, and Arteta admitted that he would indeed be looking to put an arm around him in what must be a disappointing moment, especially with it being a World Cup year.

“Yes, for sure, I think we are here to support and help each other and to give a good perspective of the situation, and in the case of Myles, when you look at his age, what he's already done, he's just remarkable,” Arteta said. “So don't look at the one moment what is happening for you because maybe it happens for the right reason and today you cannot see it.”

Gabriel Jesus was also spotted returning to first-team training after recovering from yet another serious knee injury. Arteta, however, was still vague on his return, but this could be a crucial period.

“I don't know,” Arteta said. “Now it's about making the steps day by day in a different surrounding.

“Obviously, he's been doing everything on his own; now he's got players around him, very competitive players around him, and see how he copes with that. But he's full of energy, I love the reaction of all his teammates when he first joined us and yeah, great to have him back.”

Kai Havertz, Noni Madueke and Martin Odegaard are also hoping to return after the break with the North London Derby on the horizon. While both Gabriel Martinelli and Viktor Gyokeres had minor issues, which they both hope to recover from.

Whether there is an opportunity to play a game behind closed doors is still to be decided. It is something Arteta has used in the past at opportune times.