Arsenal: 4 players with 2022 World Cup dreams at risk

Arsenal have 15 first team players away on international duty while Mikel Arteta takes training at London Colney, and there have been mixed fortunes for all involved.

There have been some soaring highs in the form of senior call-ups for Emile Smith Rowe and Gabriel Magalhaes, who’ve been away with their countries for the first time in their careers.

Smith Rowe came off the bench against Albania to earn his first cap, while Gabriel was an unused substitute in Brazil’s 1-0 win over Colombia. He may have to wait a little while longer still for his first involvement, as while Tite’s side qualified for the World Cup with that win, their final match of this break is against none other than Argentina.

Elsewhere there have been some World Cup dreams brought to a premature halt. Sead Kolasinac’s Bosnia saw their hopes dashed with a 3-1 home defeat to Finland, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will not get the chance to taste the competition for the first time either.

4 Arsenal players whose dreams of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup are at risk ahead of the last fixtures before the Premier League returns

He broke his penalty curse in his side’s 1-0 win over Libya, but Egypt’s draw with Angola, helped by a Mohamed Elneny goal, saw them claim an insurmountable lead at the top of their Group F and move into the knockout stages. Meanwhile, Thomas Partey will play no part in Ghana’s chances of qualifying.

Kieran Tierney produce one of the finest tackles in his career in Scotland’s 2-0 win over Moldova, a result that saw them guarantee second spot in their group to book a play-off berth. His goal saving challenge after Moldova had a penalty saved was an outstanding piece of defending.

Sambi Lokonga was an unused substitute for Belgium as they cruised to a 3-1 win over Estonia, and with their spot atop the group cemented ahead of their clash with Wales there is a good chance the Arsenal midfielder could earn some playing time.

Aaron Ramsdale could possibly also earn some minutes, his first for England, against San Marino with the Three Lions effectively wrapping up top spot. However, as smooth sailing as it has been for some, other members of the Arsenal squad are at risk of missing out on the World Cup with their respective nations.

1. Nicolas Pepe – Ivory Coast

There are different formats for the various sections of qualification to the World Cup, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) granted five slots for participation in the competition.

Split up into ten groups of four, only the side finishing top of their group will advance to the final stage of the process, where a draw will be made to set up five home and away legs to determine the five winners.

As it stands, Ivory Coast are on course to secure top spot. However, they face a gigantic clash with Cameroon to decide their fate.

Les Éléphants made light work of Mozambique in their fifth match of the group stages, running out 3-0 winners to leave them on 13 points. Just behind them are Cameroon on 12 points, and the final match of the group, of course, pits the two sides against each other.

It’s going to be a mouthwatering tie, one Nicolas Pepe will be hoping to be involved in having only been a 70th minute substitute last time out. A lack of minutes with Arsenal hasn’t helped his case.

A draw will be enough for Patrice Beaumelle’s side.

Cameroon host Ivory Coast at 19:00 (GMT) on Tuesday, November 16.

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