Opinion: What the international break could do for Arsenal

Arsenal have many players away on international duty, which is understandable given that they have one of the strongest squads in the world, and national teams are unlikely to pass up the opportunity to call up players from their ranks.

Even those who have not been playing regularly this term, such as Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres, have been called up by their national teams. Arsenal must therefore wait patiently for their players to return after the international break.

The Gunners will naturally have concerns about their players’ fitness, as any club would, particularly because the international break gives them several matches to play. Managing the welfare of their stars will therefore remain important while they are away with their countries.

Arsenal hope players return fit

This is one of the longest international breaks of the season, and clubs will surely be concerned about the welfare of their players while they are involved in international matches. However, the break could also provide Arsenal with an unexpected benefit.

If all their players return as fit as when they left the club, it would be excellent news for the Gunners. Avoiding injuries during such an extended period away from club football would allow Arsenal to resume their campaign with their squad intact.

The break could also provide some players with an opportunity to rediscover their confidence and improve their form before returning to domestic football.

Gyokeres could benefit from break

The best gift Arsenal could receive from the international window could therefore be the return to form of some of their players. Several members of the squad have struggled to produce their best performances so far, and the break could give them an opportunity to reset.

If Gyokeres goes away and rediscovers his confidence and scoring ability, it would be excellent news for Arsenal. The same could also apply to Zubimendi and other players who have struggled so far this season.

For Arsenal, the ideal outcome would be for their players to return healthy and with renewed confidence. That would give the Gunners a strong platform to continue their campaign once the international break comes to an end.