A Gunner’s Guide to the International Break

Only three weeks into the new season and the dreaded international break rears its ugly head once again.

Although a nuisance for most Premier League fans, the weekend off comes as a welcome period of respite for Arsenal – currently occupying a woeful 20th place in the table. Mikel Arteta will hold hope that some time away with their respective national teams can revitalise his struggling side, who return to face Norwich at the Emirates later this month.

Travel restrictions have affected participation for a whole host of Premier League players, with the likes of Nicolas Pépé and Mohamed Elneny both blocked from joining their teammates in ‘red list’ countries.

Nine of the Gunners’ first team are, however, still in action over the weekend. Read on for your comprehensive guide to Arsenal’s international break.

(All match times GMT)


Leno

Goalkeeper Bernd Leno is a regular in the Germany squad, and expects to start vs Liechtenstein on Thursday due to Manuel Neuer’s recently sustained ankle injury. Leno will hope to turn around his recent spell of poor form, and give new Germany boss Hansi Flick something to think about for his World Cup side next year.

Liechtenstein vs Germany – 02/09 – 19:45

Germany vs Armenia – 05/09 – 19:45

Iceland vs Germany – 08/09 – 19:45



Tierney

Full back Kieran Tierney has been on the receiving end of some criticism over the last couple of weeks, with question marks over his defensive positioning looming large after back-to-back drummings against Chelsea and Manchester City. He’ll be hoping to set the record straight here, with suggestions from Scotland manager Steve Clarke that Tierney could be deployed at his unnatural position of right back in squad marred by absentees, a testament to his talent and versatility at such a young age.

Denmark vs Scotland – 01/09 – 19:45

Scotland vs Moldova – 04/09 – 19:45

Austria vs Scotland – 07/09 – 19:45

Tomiyasu

Arsenal fans will without a doubt be tuning into Japan’s clash against Oman tomorrow to catch a glimpse of new defender Takihero Tomiyasu. Having only signed for the club on transfer deadline day, the right back will be the centre of attention over the international break, as he hopes to help deliver a fifth consecutive win for his national side in this set of World Cup qualifiers.

Japan vs Oman – 02/09 – 11:14

China vs Japan – 07/09 – 16:00



Kolasinac

Kolasinac retains his place in the Arsenal squad for now, although there is a strong feeling that the Bosnian full back will be allowed to leave on a free once Gabriel gets back up to full fitness, with the Turkish transfer window still open for another week.

France vs Bosnia and Herzegovina – 01/09 – 19:45

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Kuwait – 04/09 – 19:45

Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Kazakhstan – 07/09 – 19:45



Lokonga

Talented youngster Albert Sambi Lokonga will be hoping to make his senior international debut for Belgium after being called up to his national side for the first time. The 21-year-old midfielder has been a shining light in an otherwise painfully dull start for the Gunners, and Lokonga will be looking to impress head coach Roberto Martínez to wedge his foot in the door for a place in Belgium’s 2022 World Cup squad.

Estonia vs Belgium – 02/09 – 19:45

Belgium vs Czech Republic – 05/09 – 19:45

Belarus vs Belgium – 08/09 – 19:45



Xhaka

Captaining Switzerland over the international break will be the only football that Granit Xhaka plays for a while, having been on the receiving end of a red card and three-match ban on Saturday for a reckless challenge on Ferran Torres. The midfielder will be looking to replicate his imperial performances for his national side at the euros, where he was instrumental in helping Switzerland spring a huge upset against pre-tournament favourites France.

Switzerland vs Greece – 01/09 – 19:45

Switzerland vs Italy – 05/09 – 19:45

Northern Ireland vs Switzerland – 08/09 – 19:45




Ødegaard

Arsenal’s new man Martin Ødegaard will be linking up with fellow countryman Erling Haaland as he captains Norway towards World Cup qualification at only 22 years of age. Another key player for Arsenal fans to keep an eye on over the international break, the young creative midfielder appears central to Mikel Arteta’s plans for the forthcoming season.

Norway vs Netherlands – 01/09 – 19:45

Latvia vs Norway – 04/09 – 17:00

Norway vs Gibraltar – 07/09 – 19:45




Saka

Bukayo Saka has the backing of a nation after his fearless performances in England’s exceptional Euros campaign. He once again makes the squad for this round of qualifiers, with teammates Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale not making the cut. Arsenal fans will be hoping that their starboy maintains his place in Gareth Southgate’s starting 11, and keeps making both his club and country proud.

Hungary vs England – 02/09 – 19:45

England vs Andorra – 05/09 – 17:00

Poland vs England – 08/09 – 19:45



Aubameyang

Mikel Arteta will be hoping that striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can recapture his goal scoring form on international duty with Gabon, as he captains his side with the most goals in the country’s history. Gabon will be looking to qualify for their first ever World Cup, a tall order indeed for the African side.

Libya vs Gabon – 01/09 – 20:00

Gabon vs Egypt – 05/09 – 20:00