%20rotate(-8.06)%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22336.19%20136.81%20330.16%2094.25%20326.06%2071.19%20326.44%2071.13%20335.22%2093.54%20352.29%20134.52%20373.95%20131.46%20362.7%2052.01%20350.02%2053.8%20356.05%2096.36%20360.15%20119.42%20359.77%20119.48%20350.99%2097.08%20333.91%2056.09%20312.25%2059.15%20323.51%20138.6%20336.19%20136.81%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22402.91%2059.3%20412.36%20126.02%20427.17%20123.92%20417.72%2057.21%20431.59%2055.24%20429.79%2042.51%20387.23%2048.53%20389.04%2061.27%20402.91%2059.3%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22463.51%20118.77%20458.69%2084.71%20474.68%2082.44%20479.51%20116.5%20494.36%20114.4%20483.11%2034.95%20468.26%2037.06%20472.96%2070.25%20456.96%2072.52%20452.26%2039.32%20437.4%2041.43%20448.65%20120.88%20463.51%20118.77%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22540.5%20107.87%20538.77%2095.68%20518.91%2098.49%20515.77%2076.29%20535.63%2073.47%20533.93%2061.5%20514.07%2064.32%20511.11%2043.42%20530.98%2040.61%20529.25%2028.42%20494.53%2033.34%20505.78%20112.78%20540.5%20107.87%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22299.03%20155.17%20301.29%20171.58%20542.78%20138.39%20540.5%20121.97%20299.03%20155.17%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
International Break From an Arsenal Perspective
By Josh Sippie
With just one month down in the EPL season, we find ourselves in the midst of an international break. Arsenal fans the world round are no strangers to the terrors that lay lurking within such times. Just last year we lost both Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere to extended leaves of absence due to injuries incurred during international bouts.
Naturally, the main objective for most Arsenal fans during international break isn’t to root for their country of choice, but to root that everyone makes it through safely.
We have the entirety of our regular starting rotation serving for their home countries in one way or another, save Mertesacker who has retired from international play and Monreal, who is filling in for Gibbs (who would be away on duty). As such, despite the joy of seeing our Gunner’s out their on the pitch, the more important thing is keeping them healthy.
More from Arsenal News
- 3 observations from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
- 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
- 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
- Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
- 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
Wilshere and the Ox, who, as before mentioned, were victims to the international gauntlet last year, both took extensive challenges in their match against Norway, and it never does any good to the nerves of Gunner fans when those two hit the deck.
Aside from the four games already played, Arsenal still have 14 more games featuring one Gunner or another for their international teams. They may be friendlies, but don’t let the terminology mislead you, these are hard-fought battles just like any other match. Teams are looking to impress for their continental cups coming up in 2016.
It’s a nice fill-in to watch international soccer while the EPL sleeps, and seeing Gunners star for their countries is a welcome sight. They often play in positions and formations different from at the Emirates and it’s a new stage to showcase their talent on. But please, Gunners, let’s stay healthy!
Follow Pain in the Arsenal on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter.