The international break came at the worst possible time for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta's side had just won six Premier League matches on the bounce before club football's two-week hiatus, with the north London outfit currently eight points clear of second-placed Manchester City going into the final two months of the 2022/23 campaign. Although, City do have a game in hand on their title rivals.
The break has offered one positive for some of the Gunners' first-team players who have struggled for game time in recent weeks. Emile Smith Rowe has been plagued by various injury problems this season, failing to start a single match in the league this term.
READ MORE: Arsenal behind-closed-doors friendly difficult with Saka, Partey and Odegaard among call-ups
However, the Hale End academy graduate played 65 minutes for England's Under-21 side on Saturday evening, scoring the opening goal of the game as The Three Lions defeated France 4-0. Smith Rowe showcased his intelligent movement to arrive in the box before heading past Les Blues' goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
The 22-year-old's impressive display has helped him answer some of Arteta's doubts regarding his fitness ahead of next week's must-win fixture against Leeds United. "He knows how much we love him and how much we missed him and how much we need his qualities," said Arteta when asked about Smith Rowe earlier this month.
"Now he needs to prove it, how much he wants to win and how much he’s going to contribute to this team to be better and to win, he’s going to have to show that to get into the team." Another player that has fallen down Arteta's pecking order this season is left-back Kieran Tierney.
Tierney has seen summer signing Oleksandr Zinchenko take his place in Arteta's preferred starting XI, leading to speculation surrounding the former Celtic man's future at the Emirates Stadium. On Saturday afternoon, Tierney also got some much-need minutes under his belt, playing the full 90' as Scotland defeated Cyprus 3-0.
The 25-year-old played as a left-side centre-back in a back three, registering 14 final third passes, 12 accurate long balls, two interceptions and seven recoveries in a well-rounded display. Arteta will be delighted to see two of his role players putting in impressive performances for their respective nations as the Spaniard considers who will play against Leeds United next weekend.
READ NEXT:
Latest Arsenal injury news as four miss Leeds with Bukayo Saka concern and Eddie Nketiah update
Oleksandr Zinchenko breaks silence on Mykhailo Mudryk Arsenal snub ahead of England vs Ukraine
Ben White injury fear sparks Arsenal backup plan discussion as William Saliba role confirmed
Leandro Trossard reveals why he was surprised after Arsenal transfer amid Mikel Arteta warning
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
