Arsenal's international break week 1 roundup: Gyökeres and Tzolis cook, but Havertz gets cooked

We are a week into this elongated, seemingly never ending international break, but there are still 12 more days until Arsenal return to action against Leeds United in the Premier League. Well, 12 is the magic number of the day because, at the time of publication, following four days of matches, that is how many members of Mikel Arteta's squad have been in action for their respective national teams.

Given all the international football that is going on, it can be hard to keep track, so we've put together a comprehensive round-up.

Injury concern over Kai Havertz

The most concerning news for the break is the injury suffered by Kai Havertz. Just 30 minutes into Germany's clash with the Netherlands at Johan Cruijff Arena on Thursday, following a kick on his knee by Quinten Timber, the striker was forced off and later withdrew from die Mannschaft's squad. It has subsequently been reported as a hamstring injury, the severity of which is not currently known.

England and Spain produce a five-goal thriller

There was plenty of Arsenal interest in Saturday's heavyweight clash at Wembley, as world and European champions Spain beat England 3-2. Myles Lewis-Skelly started at the base of midfield, in Declan Rice's absence, while Bukayo Saka and Ezri Konsa were also in Thomas Tuchel's lineup. The latter has picked up a knock, so he is set to sit out Tuesday's clash with Czechia in Prague.

On the opposite side, David Raya and Martín Zubimendi were unused substitutes, as was Eberechi Eze for England, but Mikel Merino did come on for the final eight or so minutes.

Concern over Martin Ødegaard

Martin Ødegaard has started both of Norway's match so far, bagging two assists during a 3-2 win over Denmark, before Ståle Solbakken's side were beaten 2-1 by Portugal on Sunday night. Right at the end of that game, after the Arsenal captain had passed the ball, Bernardo Silva wiped him out for no good reason, other than the obvious fact that he is a bitter coward who knows his Manchester City achievements are all worthless.

Ødegaard hobbled out of Ullevål Stadion, making him a doubt for Norway's remaining two Nations League fixtures, but hopefully this is nothing serious longer-term.

Brazil Down Under

No Premier League players will travel more during this break than Bruno Guimarães and Gabriel. Brazil drew 1-1 with Australia in Townsville on Friday, the two sides meeting again in Brisbane on Tuesday, before the Seleção face India in Kolkata on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti has named a broadly experimental squad. Guimarães started the first friendly, replaced by Douglas Luiz on the hour mark, while Gabriel was an unused substitute, thereby expected to feature in the Socceroos rematch at Lang Park.

Jurriën Timber's return

The recent 3-0 defeat against Brighton was Jurriën Timber first start for anyone since 14 March, the night Max Dowman scored that goal against Everton. Thus, Gooners were understandably wary about him going away with the Netherlands. Nevertheless, so far, Xavi has been sensible.

Timber was not even on the bench for the first game, before seeing a ten minute cameo against Serbia at Stadion Rajko Mitić on Sunday. A few more minutes could be very useful for the 25 year old, as long as it isn't too many.

Goals for Viktor Gyökeres and Christos Tzolis

Viktor Gyökeres took his tally to 22 goals for Sweden by bagging the winner against Romania at Nationalarenan on Friday night. With Alexander Isak having withdrawn from Graham Potter's squad due to injury, expect Gyökeres to rack up plenty more minutes over the next eight days.

Pretty inarguably though, the Arsenal player who has enjoyed the best international break to date is Christos Tzolis. He equalised as Greece beat Serbia 2-1 in Belgrade, before playing 81 minutes of a famous 1-0 win over Germany. Next up for Tzolis is two games against the Netherlands and Germany in his home city of Thessaloniki, so he could return to London Colney brimming with confidence.

Riccardo Calafiori can't prevent Italy defeat

In contrast, Italy were rather easily beaten 2-0 by Belgium at Stadio Olimpico in their Nations League opener. Riccardo Calafiori played the full 90 minutes, set for plenty more Azzurri action, with Roberto Mancini's team frankly lacking much quality.

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