Dream Arsenal international break scenario if Saka and Rice drop out and free agent arrives

The international break is in full swing and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be sincerely hoping that his players return unscathed. He can hardly afford to lose any more midfielders with both Mikel Merino and Declan Rice absent for the North London Derby through injury and suspension.

Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard are both on duty with their respective nations while Ethan Nwaneri is away with the England Under-19s, but Arteta does have the benefit of Jorginho remaining with the group at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. The Italian is joined by another player with links to Chelsea in Raheem Sterling, who has arrived on loan from the Blues and will spend the season in north London.

Ben White has not yet seen a change to his England status and also remains at London Colney.

Sterling impresses

Speaking of new signings and the aforementioned Raheem Sterling’s first images and clips from training have been released on social media. The Chelsea loanee looks in fine form and is playing on the right in the absence of Saka who is with the side Sterling himself hopes to break back into with this loan to North London.

An impressive run of sessions under his former coach Mikel Arteta and who knows what could be possible? Do well enough and we may even see the winger get his chance against Tottenham in something of a trial by fire.

England pull-outs

Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins and Phil Foden have all already pulled out of England duty and returned to their respective clubs. England’s interim boss Lee Carsley has opted against calling up anyone in their place for the games against the Republic of Ireland and Finland.

Arsenal would surely be keen to see their own Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice also drop out and be ready for the games the following week. After both being key figures in the summer Euro 2024 campaign, the pair have played plenty of football and a rest would be in their, Arsenal’s and perhaps England’s best interest.

Another new signing

The transfer window may be closed by until the Premier League registration date of September 14, Arsenal and other clubs can sign free agents of which there are many still available. Should the club so choose, they may look to land any from the likes of Memphis Depay, Anthony Martial, Adrien Rabiot or even Sergio Ramos.

Some make more sense than others with some of course having little reason to join the club. Yet with the injury and suspension issues, some could argue that this is a market holding some talent and numbers that the Gunners may be inclined to consider.