Arsenal have played their final competitive fixture for just under a fortnight, but the work doesn't stop for many of those not selected for international duty.
It's already been confirmed that as many as 14 members of Mikel Arteta 's senior squad will be in action over the next week, with Euro 2024 and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers taking place, as well as a few friendlies.
Of course, the dream scenario for the Arsenal manager is that every single one of his players come through this international window unscathed as his side have gone into the break eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table and will want to hit the ground running when the campaign resumes on April 1.
READ MORE: The 18 senior Arsenal players confirmed for international duty after William Saliba withdrawal
"That they really look after themselves in this period," was the message from Arteta to his players selected for international duty. "We will look after the players that are with us here. That they come back with the same mindset and hunger from before to go into Leeds which is the only important game right now. We know it."
Overall, though, whether this break comes at a perfect time for Arteta remains to be seen but the Spaniard will be able to do extra work on the training pitch with as many as six first-team players and perhaps welcome one or two back from injury while he can also call up a number of the club's promising youngsters.
Interestingly, this group will not feature any of the Gunners' three senior goalkeepers as Aaron Ramsdale, Matt Turner and Karl Hein have been called up by England, USA and Estonia respectively, but defenders Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes and Rob Holding will be around.
Furthermore, none of Arsenal's midfielders will be present, but Brazil's decision to not call up Gabriel Jesus can be of benefit as the striker can build up his fitness alongside Reiss Nelson and compatriot Gabriel Martinelli.
Whilst William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu won't be joining up with the France or Japan squads respectively, it remains to be seen if any will be present at London Colney over the next week as a lot will ultimately depend on the nature of their injuries.
Mohamed Elneny is a long-term absentee, but the hope is that Eddie Nketiah can be involved following an ankle injury: ""He’s getting better. He’s still in the boot," Arteta said. "He’s still a few weeks away and we need to be patient. It was a nasty injury and he has a big challenge ahead of him. Thank God it could have been worse. So he’s not in a bad place."
READ NEXT:
How many points Arsenal need to be crowned Premier League champions over Manchester City
Mikel Arteta hints at Thomas Partey change during Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
What Bukayo Saka did to Rob Holding after Palace win as Arsenal silence Sporting doubters
Arsenal's next five Premier League fixtures compared to Man City in Premier League title race
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
