3 Arsenal players needing the international break more than ever

Has this international break come at a good time for Arsenal? After starting the season with seven successive victories across four competitions, Mikel Arteta's team were handed something of a reality check on Saturday, smashed 3-0 by Brighton at the weekend.

There is no need to panic, and there is very little Artera can do for the next fortnight, considering 17 members of his squad will be in action for their countries during this window. We already know that Piero Hincapié and Declan Rice will not be representing their nations, enjoying some much needed rest, but which three Arsenal players could benefit most from some international football?

Viktor Gyökeres

The player who has struggled most in an Arsenal shirt to start this season has been Viktor Gyökeres. With Kai Havertz looking sharp, it is very clear that the 28 year old is second choice in Arteta's pecking order, and when he has been given an opportunity, Gyökeres has failed to stake a claim.

Starting against both Napoli and Ipswich, he failed to impress either time, touching the ball only nine times in Southern Italy, before racking up a miserly 18 touches at Portman Road, despite a dominant Arsenal victory. Nevertheless, Gyökeres remains a key man for his country, likely to be deployed alongside Alexander Isak up front by Graham Potter.

He was the top scorer in the UEFA Nations League last time round, bagging his 21st for the Blågult against Tunisia during the World Cup. Back in the second-tier, Sweden host Romania and Poland, before taking on Bosnia in Zenica and Romania again at Arena Națională. A few Gyökeres goals would do his confidence the world of good.

Christos Tzolis

Christos Tzolis has enjoyed a mixed start to life at Arsenal. Early on, the 24 year old was being heralded as the signing of the summer, after impressing in pre-season and against Coventry on the opening day. However, more recently, he has endured difficult games on the road against Aston Villa and Brighton, emphasising that he is far from the finished product.

So, what can he produce for Greece, as they prepare to compete in UEFA Nations League A for the first time ever, following back-to-back promotions? Ivan Jovanović's team will take on Serbia and Germany on the road, before welcoming Netherlands and the Germans to Tzolis' home city of Thessaloniki. The winger has nine international goals to his name to date, of which five came in 2025, and will continue to be a nailed on starter for a team on the up.

Martin Ødegaard

Last, but by no means least, Martin Ødegaard's impressive form to start this campaign is simply him continuing his World Cup form. The 27 year old starred as Norway reached the quarter-finals in America, looking back to his best during the early weeks of the Premier League season too, scoring four club goals already.

As always, alongside Erling Braut Håland, they will be spearheading Ståle Solbakken's attack. Norway have been promoted to Nations League A for the first time, but are eyeing a top two spot in their group, which would see them progress to March's quarter-finals.

The Lions will welcome Denmark and Portugal to the Ullevål, before facing Wales in Cardiff and Portugal again at Estádio do Dragão. Arteta will be hoping Ødegaard can continue his momentum, but also, most importantly, return to London Colney fit and firing.

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