Odegaard and Calafiori start, two youngsters given chance – Dream Arsenal behind-closed-doors XI

Arsenal have entered what is perhaps the most welcome of international breaks. The September and October interruptions came at arguably bad times for the Gunners and undermined the momentum that had been built up during the early part of the season.

However, with the number of injuries that team has suffered with, being given a weekend off competitive action will allow several players to get some significant time off. Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Bukayo Saka have pulled out of international duty

Ben White meanwhile has undergone a minor procedure football.london understands and will be missing for a period. Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney continue their rehabilitation from other problems.

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However, Riccardo Calafiori hopes to make a comeback to the team soon after his knee injury last month. Other players too on the fringes could do with some game time while others certainly need rest.

Arsenal have used behind-closed-doors friendlies in the past to help with preparation for upcoming games. It is not known whether there will be any during this break at the moment but sides such as Watford, Ipswich Town and Brentford have played against the Gunners before.

Players who could be in the line-up would be called in from those not chosen by their respective nations and the youth team players too. There is also a chance that some of those who have missed the international clashes due to some fitness problems could get some time in this protected environment to help with their recovery.

Neto is yet to make his debut for the Gunners having been cup-tied in the league cup but will likely play if there is a game with David Raya away with Spain. With White out and Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko away, it means chances to get some minutes with the senior players for Josh Nichols, Ayden Headen and Zane Monlouis with Calafiori getting some time to help his recovery.

Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri along with Tommy Setford are playing for the England youth side and so are not around to feature. Thomas Partey was not called up by Ghana and could feature while Salah-Eddine Oulad M'Hand could cover for Declan Rice whose broken toe needs time to fix.

Odegaard might indeed benefit from some minutes to help build back his fitness. While Raheem Sterling, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli would all finish the front three, allowing Bukayo Saka and much-needed break.

Arsenal BCD XI: Neto, Nichols, Heaven, Monlouis, Calafiori, Partey, Salah-Eddine, Odegaard, Sterling, Jesus, Martinelli.