Nine Arsenal players set for extra training as Odegaard and Timber near returns

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Arsenal are due to have nine senior stars stay behind during this international break

The international break has come at a blessed time for Arsenal after their League Cup final disappointment. The Gunners might have wanted to get straight back to winning ways after a few days; however, after five players have pulled out of their respective nations’ matches over the fortnight with problems, it appears this is well-timed.

Mikel Arteta will have as many as nine players back at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, with different training regimes planned for each. Some will not be able to do any work outside as they recover from more serious problems.

Mikel Merino has taken a step forward in his recovery after undergoing a procedure on his foot. The Spaniard was seen on just one crutch and with a protective boot at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

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football.london broke at the start of February that the midfielder would not be able to put any strenuous weight through the foot for around eight weeks, so to see him with just the single crutch after just over six weeks is an encouraging sign.

Eberechi Eze was unable to make the final, and Arteta said he would not join up with England and instead undergo a scan at the end of this week. He, therefore, is unlikely to be working outside in the short term.

Gabriel, William Saliba and Leandro Trossard have pulled out of international duty with minor issues, so it is hoped they will be able to recover and rejoin training ahead of the domestic restart. Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard, meanwhile, are both close to a return and were pushing to be involved in the cup final and will be targeting the Southampton match to return to action.

Kepa Arrizabalaga and Gabriel Jesus are the only senior players in the squad who have not suffered any issues but were not called up for their national teams. With this being the final international break, it looks unlikely either will make the Spain or Brazil squads, respectively.

This will be a fortnight which will greatly benefit Arsenal even with many players still away with their national sides. There will be a focus on rest, recovery and readiness ahead of the run-in.