Arsenal’s players have been on fire during the international break, which will delight Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard has made several references to how he is a keen watcher of his stars while they’re away with their respective nations.
Mikel Merino, in particular, has continued his fine form for Spain. He scored twice on Tuesday evening, taking his tally to six goals in four World Cup qualifying matches; only two players in this run of qualifiers have more.
Arteta has spoken in the past about how he likes to use the energy and form of players who have done well while away with their national sides. Speaking after Merino’s selection against Nottingham Forest, with Declan Rice being rested, he gave a clear verdict on why.
“Yes, as well, because Mikel [Merino] comes after scoring four goals in two games with a really high emotional state,” he said. “I want to use that, when a player is in that moment, I want to play him, because it's going to bring something different with the qualities that they have.
“Declan comes in and he will have an impact immediately, he'll play the next game, and that's what we need to try to manage the best possible way.”
He will have plenty of players to choose from, therefore, after their contributions over these particular fixtures. Gabriel Martinelli scored for Brazil in their 3-2 defeat to Japan.
Bukayo Saka scored a world-class goal against Wales before being rather fortunate in claiming an assist against Latvia. The ball deflected off him before landing at the feet of Harry Kane, who scored. Eberechi Eze would go on to score, too, in the same game, a great strike from the edge of the box across the keeper.
Max Dowman became the youngest ever England under-19s goalscorer with his goal against Wales’ under-19s in a 7-0 victory. While against the senior Wales side, Leandro Trossard scored Belgium’s fourth in a 4-2 win.
A team that includes all of Arsenal’s goalscorers over the international break for the Fulham match is therefore possible. Although it would mean leaving out some major players and have quite the attacking emphasis in midfield and the front line.
Arsenal XI with international goalscorers: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Merino, Eze, Dowman; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli