What Arsenal players are in action over the September international break?
The dreaded international break has arrived. God, the melancholy is overwhelming.
Arsenal are in the grooviest of grooves right now but their momentum has been disrupted (again) by an untimely stoppage.
The Gunners saw two fixtures postponed in September due to the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, but they returned to our screens in style on Sunday afternoon as Brentford were swatted aside by Mikel Arteta’s entertainers.
The international break will expose the dullness of Autumn in the absence of club football and you may not be left with much of a choice but to watch these upcoming fixtures.
What Arsenal players are in action over the September international break?
Several Arsenal players should earn minutes for their respective nations this month – although there was no room in the Brazil squad for the three Gabi’s – and here’s when all of them could be in action over the next two weeks.
England – Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka
England’s fixtures
Italy (A) – Friday 23 September, 19:45 (BST)
Germany (H) – Monday 26 September, 19:45 (BST)
England are rock bottom of their UEFA Nations League group and they need two victories in September to salvage their campaign. Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka have been called up by Gareth Southgate, with the former having a big opportunity to impress in Jordan Pickford’s absence.
USA – Matt Turner
USA’s fixtures
Japan (A) – Friday 23 September, 13:25 (BST)
Saudi Arabia (A) – Tuesday 27 September, 19:00 (BST)
Matt Turner is USA’s number one and he’d be expected to start at least one of their September friendlies against Japan and Saudi Arabia.
Scotland – Kieran Tierney
Scotland’s fixtures
Ukraine (H) – Wednesday 21 September, 19:45 (BST)
Ireland (H) – Saturday 24 September, 19:45 (BST)
Ukraine (N) – Tuesday 27 September, 19:45 (BST)
Scotland’s Nations League campaign has started brightly enough but they have three difficult fixtures this month. Kieran Tierney is crucially fit for the Scots as they take on an improving Ireland and Ukraine (twice).
France – William Saliba
France’s fixtures
Austria (H) – Thursday 22 September, 19:45 (BST)
Denmark (A) – Sunday 25 September, 19:45 (BST)
This is Wilo’s chance to cement his place in Didier Deschamps’ starting XI at the World Cup. Saliba’s competition is stiff, but he’s performed as well as anybody at centre-back this season.
Japan – Takehiro Tomiyasu
Japan’s fixtures
USA (H) – Friday 23 September, 13:25 (BST)
Ecuador (A) – Tuesday 27 September, 12:55 (BST)
Ben White’s stellar form means Takehiro Tomiyasu is yet to start a Premier League game this season, but he’s unsurprisingly been called up to the Japan squad for their fixtures against Turner’s USA and Ecuador. This will be a good opportunity for Tomiyasu to get more minutes in his legs ahead of Arsenal’s demanding October schedule.
Ghana – Thomas Partey
Ghana’s fixtures
Brazil (A) – Friday 23 September, 19:30 (BST)
Nicaragua (A) – Tuesday 27 September, TBD
Just don’t get injured, Thomas.
Switzerland – Granit Xhaka
Switzerland’s fixtures
Spain (A) – Saturday 24 September, 19:45 (BST)
Czech Republic (H) – Tuesday 27 September, 19:45 (BST)
Switzerland skipper Granit Xhaka has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season and he’ll be expected to complete two 90 minutes over the break. The Swiss’ Nations League campaign has started poorly, and they’ll need at least four points from their September fixtures to avoid relegation.