Mikel Arteta in line for triple boost as Arsenal stars begin preparations for Brentford clash
We're now into the second round of fixtures from the November international break and it's a case of so far so good for Arsenal ahead of the return of Premier League action this weekend.
All but two of the 16 senior players — currently at the club — that were selected have been in action for their respective nations over the past week with some contrasting experiences for many as Euro 2024 plus 2026 World Cup qualifiers and those all-important friendlies have taken centre stage.
Kai Havertz operated at left-back and scored in Germany's 3-2 defeat by Turkey, Jorginho missed a penalty as Italy beat North Macedonia, Bukayo Saka claimed an assist for Harry Kane as England beat Malta and Gabriel Martinelli scored his first goal for Brazil, although it ended in a loss to Colombia.
They, along with Aaron Ramsdale, Declan Rice, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jakub Kiwior, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Jesus could be in action over the next couple of days, so naturally, Mikel Arteta will have his fingers crossed that his Arsenal stars come through unscathed.
Having said that, the good news for the Gunners boss is four of his players should have begun the process of returning to London Colney, if they've not done so already, ahead of Saturday's clash against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium.
This is because Leandro Trossard, Mohamed Elneny, David Raya and Karl Hein have completed their international commitments with Belgium, Egypt, Spain and Estonia respectively. And with no injuries reported, it would appear they will all be available for selection against the Bees.
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