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Arsenal have entered the dreaded three-week international break that will see their action pause for almost a month while 17 of their players represent their nations at senior level.
The likes of Bukayo Saka and Riccardo Calafiori have been called up to their respective squads over the coming weeks while others such as Declan Rice have pulled out to protect their fitness amid yet another busy schedule.
Mikel Arteta will likely spend the next 18 days worrying that none of his international players pick up injuries ahead of a return to club action against Leeds on 10 October, while those called up will be eager to impress for their nations.
Some of those leaving Arsenal to represent their countries can be deemed as winners with others who have either been left behind or maybe shouldn't have gone away could be seen as losers.
Four Arsenal winners and two losers heading into the international break
Winner #1: Myles Lewis-Skelly
Having been an unused asset for much of last term, Myles Lewis-Skelly had not featured in an England squad since October 2025 and missed out on a trip to the World Cup despite an end of season resurgence, but he has earned a return to Thomas Tuchel's setup for the extended break.
The Hale End graduate has played six times for his nation and scored 20 minutes into his debut against Albania, and he will be eager to take the chance to fight his way back into the Three Lions' starting lineup.
With several important games coming up in the Nations League, most notably against world champions Spain, Lewis-Skelly has a great opportunity to show that he can continue his club form onto the international stage.
Loser #1: Noni Madueke
Despite being featured as a surprise inclusion for the World Cup, Noni Madueke has missed out on a spot in Tuchel's England squad this time round, even after several high-profile withdrawals.
The winger has been behind an underperforming Bukayo Saka in the pecking order so far this season, meaning he has been restricted to just two starts so far, coming against Manchester City in the Community Shield and Ipswich Town in the Carabao Cup.
After Cole Palmer and Marcus Rashford withdrew from the squad shortly after their call-ups, there was a chance for Madueke to be named as a replacement, but Morgan Gibbs-White was chosen instead, meaning the Gunners winger will have to fight to show his ability at club level.
Winner #2: Jurrien Timber
After spending a lengthy period on the sidelines with injury that saw him miss the World Cup and all of Arsenal's run-in except the Champions League final, Jurrien Timber is back in action and has been called up to the Netherlands squad by new manager Xavi.
The Dutchman played the entire second-half of the Gunners' 2-0 win at Sunderland before starting the 3-0 defeat to Brighton, lasting just under an hour on the South Coast, and now faces the chance to get crucial minutes in the legs while on international duty.
With ties against Germany, Serbia and Greece coming up for Oranje, Timber will almost certainly feature in a few of the matches.
Loser #2: Jurrien Timber (again)
While Timber is likely to benefit massively from involvement with the Netherlands, there is also potential for him to be a big loser in the international break.
The right back has suffered with a number of injuries during his time at Arsenal and the last thing the club will want him to do is pick up another just as he looks to have made a recovery.
He had to be somewhat rushed back to action due to Ben White's injury against Sunderland and subsequent absence, but fans will be hoping Xavi goes easy on Timber and doesn't put him through too much while on international duty. The defender should benefit from getting minutes in the legs, but going too far could put him at risk of picking up another injury at a time when Arteta could really do without it.
Winner #3: Viktor Gyökeres
Confidence. If there's any player that needs it right now, it's Viktor Gyökeres. The striker has been kept out of the starting lineup by Kai Havertz so far this season and has failed to take any chances he's been given by Arteta.
Having put in subpar performances against Napoli and Ipswich, the Swede's future with the Gunners looks to be in doubt, even after scoring several important goals last season, and he has to regain form if he is to keep his Arsenal chances alive.
Gyökeres boasts an impressive record for Sweden with 21 goals in 37 appearances so he should be fancied to get on the scoresheet during the break. Performing well for his nation would be an incredible confidence booster that is much needed for him at club.
Winner #4: Max Dowman
Initially called up to England's Under-19 squad, Max Dowman could now be in line for surprise involvement with the senior team at just 16-years-old.
The youngster impressed as he scored twice in Arsenal's 4-2 Carabao Cup win at Ipswich and he could now have the chance to show off his ability for the Three Lions as he prepares to spend some time with the senior team.
Following several players withdrawing from Tuchel's squad, Dowman is reported to be under consideration to train with England, offering him valuable experience as he looks to build on last year's breakthrough season. He is unlikely to make his senior debut, but any time spent with the Three Lions would be of great benefit to him.
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