Ten Hag sacked, Timber injury worry and Trossard sold – Nightmare Arsenal international break scenario

The international break is only a couple of days old and yet it has already offered plenty of drama with bids for Arsenal players and inclusions for nations that have fans biting their nails at the prospect of an injury issue. The Gunners stars who have not travelled will work with Mikel Arteta back at the Sobha Realty Training Centre ahead of a three-game return with Tottenham, Atalanta and Manchester City all away from home in the space of a week.

The first three Premier League fixtures provided an insight into the challenge that awaits and also how some of the club’s old rivals are shaping up. Chelsea and Manchester United have failed to win more than one game while Manchester City and Liverpool already have a two-point advantage over the Gunners.

Erik ten Hag sacked

After losing 3-0 at home to Liverpool, there has never been a better time for Erik ten Hag to be sacked by Manchester United. The Red Devils boss has been consistent with his arguments for the work he has done and the successes he has had despite seeing United to their worst-ever Premier League finish and the recent embarrassing home defeat to their arch-rivals.

Were the Dutch coach to lose his job, however, it would represent a worry for Arsenal. Ten Hag staying was always seen as a benefit by many Arsenal fans with the Gunners’ record against him strong, winning home and away last season; a new coach might bring the pieces of some worryingly positive summer recruitment together – hopefully that does not happen.

Jurrien Timber concern

The first international break of the season sees 12 players called up by their nations including Jurrien Timber. The Dutch defender has been back for just three games and already is back in the national side along with William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes, Jakub Kiwior, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Arsenal have been able to closely monitor Timber’s return from injury and will certainly be communicating with the Netherlands national side throughout his time with them but will of course be somewhat concerned. Losing the full-back ahead of three massive away games would be a big blow.

Leandro Trossard sold

Arsenal rejected a bid out of hand on Monday from Al-Ittihad to try and sign Leandro Trossard. Some windows remain open across Europe including Turkey, where Victor Osimhen has recently arrived at Galatasaray.

With the English window closed, losing Trossard in a surprise sale that few are expecting would be a nightmare for fans and also for the club. The hope would be that they do indeed recognise his importance and that he therefore is not for sale at any price.