Mikel Arteta took precaution when asked about the impact of international breaks before Arsenal’s last match of the recent domestic window. “I prefer not to watch the games and listen to nothing!” he laughed as he took to touching wood for luck.
“Just pray that everybody is going to be fine because the last one was a really difficult one to handle.” Referring to the loss of Martin Odegaard for at least six weeks, it’s understandable why a manager with an already small squad holds the international calendar in contempt.
Given that Riccardo Calafiori had already been away with Italy and returned in the same break, it was a fortnight to forget for Arsenal. Along with a training injury for Mikel Merino and Declan Rice’s suspension, it left Arteta with a makeshift midfield ahead of the North London Derby.
In the end, Arsenal got through it. In fact, they have really passed with flying colours. Almost two months into the season and they are still unbeaten, only drawing to Brighton, Manchester City, and then Atalanta in the Champions League. The table looks healthy, and some of the more challenging away days have been and gone.
It is a credit to Arteta, his staff, and the club as a whole that Arsenal have been as successful so far despite the noise. Injuries continue to pose new obstacles but it hasn’t impacted results yet.
After the win over Southampton on Saturday there are still six fitness worries to contend with. Odegaard is still out and won’t be away with Norway as he recovers from ankle ligament damage. An initial timeline had him looking towards a return shortly after the October break, which is now upon us.
