Which Arsenal internationals are playing in games that actually mean something?

There are 9 Arsenal players off with their national sides in this interlull, but how many of them are playing games that are actually important to their country, and how many are just filling in space in meaningless games? Arsene Wenger was hoping that Jack Wilshere would get some more competitive football with the England side, but as we have seen, Tottenham have pulled out Harry Kane for the two friendlies with an “ankle knock” but assured Spurs fans he will be free to face the Gunners after the break.

Aaron Ramsey has been called up by Wales, who face France and Panama but they are friendlies as well and of no consequence whatsoever as the Dragons have failed to Qualify for the World Cup. Likewise Alex Iwobi is set to play for Nigeria against Algeria, but his team are already 6 points clear at the top of the Group, while Algeria are bottom 6 points further behind! They could just play kids and it wouldn’t matter. Similarly Elneny will be playing for Egypt against Ghana but have already qualified.

France likewise have already qualified but Olivier Giroud, Laurent Koscielny and Alex Lacazette are in the squad to play friendlies against Wales and Germany, and Ozil is with that German side in friendlies against the English and the French.

So there are just two players that are playing in important games,, with Granit Xhake trying to help Switzerland to the World Cup in the two-leg play-off against Northern Ireland. The first leg is on Thursday, November 9 and the second leg is three days later.

That is the only really important game involving any Arsenal players, although Maitland-Niles is playing for the England U21s against the Ukraine in an U21 Qualifier which is reasonably important with England 4 points clear at the top of their Group.

So if you actually want to watch any Arsenal players in serious games then I guess Switzerland are the team to watch!

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