Calafiori and Odegaard boost, behind-closed-doors friendly - Dream Arsenal international break

Arsenal enter the November international break knowing it is the last break in the domestic calendar until March. That said, it comes at perhaps the most kind-spirited time for the Gunners in some ways.

Mikel Arteta failed to secure a Premier League win in the run of games between this break and the last, piling the pressure on and dredging up questions over the club’s title aims. When the side returns from this break, however, they will embark on a run where they leave the capital just once for a Champions League clash with Sporting CP.

With that in mind, there are still plenty of things to happen while players travel to their respective nations – those that are going. football.london takes a look at what a dream scenario over the next week-plus looks like for Arsenal.

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An important recovery

Riccardo Calafiori has been missing for Arsenal since he suffered a minor knee injury against Shakhtar Donetsk. While described as an escape from something more serious, even a minor problem to this particular joint can cause a period of absence that covers several weeks and that has been the case.

The Gunners have missed the Italian’s progression and left-sided partnership with Gabriel Martinelli. The full-back has been a hit from the off and while Jurrien Timber is a solid option, the natural left-footer is preferred by Arteta’s system.

Having Calafiori back for the games after the break will be a huge boost, especially ones against Manchester United and Sporting. While the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney are also working on their returns. - not to mention Martin Odegaard too who has returned from Norway and will work on his fitness hoping to be in a better condition to play in a week-plus time.

Friendly preparation

Often, Arteta will use these breaks to further the understanding of his philosophy with his team and give minutes to some players in need of game time. This is done through the utilisation of Arsenal’s club contacts and scheduling of a behind-closed-doors friendly.

Brentford, Watford and Ipswich Town have all been sides the club has faced in recent seasons in these private clashes. So far, there is no evidence that this will be taking place but there are plenty of senior players staying behind.

Neto, Ben White, Thomas Partey, Odegaard, Jorginho, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Martinelli remain with plenty of the youth contingent as well. Perhaps there is a team also in need of some minutes that can find an agreement with Arsenal.

Reflect, reset and respond

It has been a pretty miserable few weeks to be an Arsenal fan as their form has dipped and they’ve gone through the inevitable lull that occurs every season. Last year it came in December and this campaign it is apparently a month early.

With it coming early it means other sides have widened their gap. This break firstly gives a period to look over what went wrong, for both the players and the coaching staff.

After observing these wrongs, it is time to learn from them and reset. Regaining that confidence and form that has taken Arsenal back amongst the title challenges enjoyed in the past two campaigns.

Lastly, when the break comes to a close, the club needs to respond. The first game is at home to Nottingham Forest, the first time in five matches that the Gunners will play at the Emirates Stadium and it is much-needed – time to kickstart the season.