Time on the training ground has often proven precious for Swansea City.
The Swans were unbeaten in the two matches directly after each of the four of the international breaks that took place last season.
Following a morale-boosting 3-0 success against Hull City last time out, Russell Martin now has another week to work with his squad ahead of the trip to West Brom on Saturday, October 1.
They had hoped to play a behind-closed doors-friendly at their Fairwood training complex in a bid to give fringe players some much needed competitive action, although they were unable to find an opponent and have opted to play a fixture amongst their own squad.
And after admitting Swansea didn't bolster their squad as much as anticipated during the summer transfer window, Martin stated he was eager to put those he has at his disposal through their paces once again in a bid to attack the final block of Championship fixtures before the World Cup break in November and December.
"We tried to organise a friendly for the guys who haven't played so many minutes but it's been really difficult for other clubs with how far away we are, so we'll probably play an in-house 11 v 11 at some point," the head coach told WalesOnline.
"It just feels so similar to last year, we're going through so many similar things. We still have a very young squad and probably didn't strengthen the squad as much as maybe we thought we were going to at the start.
"But they're a brilliant group. I think they're in a really good place physically and mentally, despite the points we have. It's another chance to condition them and put some work in, and also learn from the games and the tweaks we've made in the last few games.
"When we have 10 days or whatever it is to prepare for a certain opposition, it is nice. I think the lads quite enjoy it, training, which isn't always the case, so it's good for us."
Olivier Ntcham has featured for Cameroon during the international break while Ben Cabango is in contention for Wales' must-win Nations League contest with Poland in Cardiff on Sunday night.
Joe Allen withdrew from the Wales squad due to the hamstring injury he sustained in the triumph against Hull earlier this month. And, after Martin played down concerns over the 32-year-old's situation, Red Dragons boss Rob Page confirmed that Allen's premature exit from the Wales camp was merely a precautionary measure.
"No, they're not serious at all," he said when discussing the injuries sustained by Allen and former Swan Ben Davies. "There's no fear whatsoever about the World Cup. Unfortunately it put them out of this camp.
"Joe Allen, he's been incredible for Wales over the years, he's still a big part of how we play and what we do, even in the culture off the pitch as well. So he'll be missed, but it gives others an opportunity."
Meanwhile, Joel Latibeaudiere could be in contention for a place in Swansea's matchday squad at West Brom. The versatile defender dislocated his shoulder in the 2-2 draw with Millwall last month but has returned to the training pitch sooner than initially expected having opted against having surgery.
"All being well, he hasn't had contact [training] yet, if we can get him through a week of training during the international break, he'll be ready for the West Brom game," said head coach Martin in his pre-match written briefing ahead of the Hull win.
Swansea play 11 matches before the Championship season is halted due to the Qatar World Cup. Wales' first match of the tournament is against the United States of America on Monday, November 21.
READ MORE:
