Arsenal behind-closed-doors friendly verdict made early after Mikel Arteta's three-player plan

The international break can be an opportunityfor teams like Arsenal to have some rest and respite from the trials of domestic football. That said, with the club's large number of international stars, the majority spend their week awayfrom club action with their respective countries playing one or two matches.

On previous occasions, Mikel Arteta has used this time to play some behind-closed-doors friendlies with other sides. Watford, Ipswich Town, and Brentford have all been opponents over recent years.

In fact, Spurs faced Watford in a friendly last week, allowing Randal Kolo Muani to get some important minutes as he recovers from injury. Watford’s training ground happens to be next door to the Gunners, which is why they’re logistically one of the best sides to face.

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However, there appear to be no signs of a friendly being played or to play one this October. There are a variety of reasons for this, and with the volume of games many of Arteta’s side have already played and will play, adding another in might not have been for the best.

Furthermore, as mentioned, the vast majority of the squad have been away on international duty. Several players stayed behind who are currently out injured, but of those known to be fit, only Ben White and Kepa Arrizabalaga would have been available.

While Piero Hincapie is expected to return to fitness after the international break, there is currently no insight into the state of his readiness to feature. Arteta will address the media on Friday morning to provide the latest team news.

Arsenal then travel across the capital to Fulham for Saturday afternoon’s later kick-off. A win would further solidify their place at the top of the Premier League table while hoping Manchester United can do them a favour, like Chelsea before them, against Liverpool.