All Arsenal stars will feature in October’s internationals, including injury scares and ‘elite’ players

Those who did play mostly played well, but some were criticized by the media in their countries after mixed results from Arsenal’s key players.

The team will now focus on the upcoming game against Bournemouth, but here’s how Arsenal’s international players fared during the break.

David Raya

Goalkeeper David Raya started both games for Spain as usual number one Unai Simon was injured.

Raya kept clean sheets in wins over Denmark and Serbia and the 29-year-old was highly praised for his performances.

Sections of the media in Spain described Raya as an “elite replacement” for Simon and suggested he may have earned a place as the national team’s best goalkeeper.

William Saliba

William Saliba started both of France’s games against Israel and Belgium, with Les Bleus winning 4-1 and 2-1.

Saliba didn’t have a good break as the centre-back missed a penalty against Belgium, which sparked heavy criticism in France.

Gabriel Magalhaes

Gabriel Magalhaes started both of Brazil’s games against Chile and Peru, with his team winning 2-1 and 4-0.

Gabriel was the highest-rated player against Chile, but his vertical passing was still a point of criticism in Brazil, while he had very little to do against Peru.

Riccardo Calafiori

Riccardo Calafiori started both of Italy’s games, with his side earning a 2-2 draw against Belgium before beating Israel 4-1.

Calafiori was criticized in Italy for leaving his Arsenal teammate Leandro Trossard free in the penalty area to score, but he had a better game against Israel as he started at left center back in a three-man defense.

Jakub Kiwior

It’s been a tough international break for Polish defender Jakub Kiwior. The defender came on as a half-time substitute in his side’s 3-1 defeat to Portugal, when his team were 2-0 down on his debut.

Kiwior was then in the starting line-up as Poland drew 3-3 with Croatia in a dramatic game, but was unable to claim any glory defensively.

Declan Rice

England midfielder Declan Rice started both of his nation’s games as they lost 2-1 to Greece at Wembley before beating Finland 3-1.

Rice didn’t have his best game against Greece, in a game where none of his teammates were basking in glory, but the Arsenal midfielder then scored in the win against Finland.

Mikel Merino

Spanish midfielder Mikel Merino used the international break to improve his fitness after an injury layoff and took full advantage.

Arsenal’s summer signing came on as a 62nd-minute substitute against Denmark and was impressive, winning several tackles in his cameo appearance.

Merino then put in an excellent performance in the first half against Serbia, but his lack of fighting spirit showed as he faded as the game progressed, and both appearances were useful for him to get minutes under his belt.

Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli came on as a substitute to score Brazil’s winner against Chile but returned to Arsenal early.

Martinelli appears to have suffered a muscle strain that is still being examined and he left the Brazil camp with injury fears ahead of the win over Peru.

Leandro Trossard

Leandro Trossard started both of Belgium’s games against Italy and France, and in the first game he was electrifying as he scored and assisted his team’s goals.

Trossard finished from a corner after beating Calafiori to the ball after setting up Maxim De Cuyper to put his team 2-0 down.

The 29-year-old has been praised for his performances for Belgium and continues his good form from recent Arsenal games.

Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka started England’s 2-1 loss to Greece but had to leave the pitch after Greece scored their first goal because he sustained a hamstring injury.

That could have been a disaster for Arteta and Saka returned home from the England camp ahead of the trip to Finland.

However, fears over a possible injury to the winger have now been allayed with Saka expected to be fit for the game against Bournemouth.

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