A shorter international break this time, but Arsenal still had their fair share of players called up to their national teams. Fortunately, nobody was injured.

Tough return for Jack

Jack Wilshere made his England return, while Carl Jenkinson joined him as a second-half substitute for England's friendly with Sweden. Unfortunately, neither of them could do anything to prevent England losing 4-2 to Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Wilshere was fouled almost routinely by the Swedes and picked up a booking for a 'foul' on Ibrahimovic. He seemed to feel no ill effect, however.

French Suc-Kos (It works, OK?)

Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny both started France's game in Italy. Giroud gave a hard-working performance and came off after 63 minutes, while Koscielny played the entirety of the 2-1 victory for Les Blues. By all accounts Laurent shackled Mario Balotelli most effectively. Just like at home them, eh?

The rest

Per Mertesacker played 90 minutes in Germany's 0-0 bore draw with Holland, while Lukas Podolski was a late substitute. He played up front and didn't do much. (Like his manager says, he's better on the left).

Santi Cazorla travelled all the way to Panama for a friendly with the Spanish national team and then sat on the bench for the entirety of their 5-1 victory. He's not expected back at Colney until Friday lunchtime. Arsenal play Spurs Saturday lunchtime. Thanks for that, Vincent.

There's no international football until March now. Thank goodness for that. Arsenal's form dipped after the last international break, perhaps this one will have the opposite effect.

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