Arsenal behind-closed-doors friendly would have had just three senior options(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The international break can be an opportunity for 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 away from 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.

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...