The international break is often a time for players who have not been called up by their national sides to take something of a rest. Players are given some time off to recuperate from what has been an intense start to the season.

With a hectic Christmas schedule coming up, rest is always key. However, the breaks can be used to give an opportunity to play some of the unused senior stars with their youth counterparts in behind-closed-door friendlies.

Mikel Arteta has taken the opportunity to play the likes of Brentford and Watford, locally accessible opponents, in the breaks to help with fitness and tactics. It also keeps those players who have not been training with their countries get sharp and ready for the return of club football.

There is currently no indication whether Arsenal will be conducting one of these games. However, there are a number of senior players with the club and a potential team is available considering the schedule of u21 games are paused until later this month and the return of the UEFA Youth Cup.

With that in mind, football.london takes a look at what a dream behind-closed-doors XI might look like. Naturally, it contains both senior and youth stars, many involved in the recent EFL Trophy defeat to Reading including two of Arteta’s regular Premier League group.

In goal is the man who saved a penalty in that aforementioned game, Ovie Ejeheri who spent time on loan in the Finnish first tier with SJK Seinajoki. Aaron Ramsdale, David Raya and Karl Hein are all away with England, Spain and Estonia respectively.

READ MORE: Why Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson dropped into Arsenal U21s team for Reading EFL Trophy defeat

READ MORE: Arsenal news and transfers LIVE – VAR audio revealed, Gabriel Jesus injury update, Neves deal

In defence, the hope will be that Ben White has shaken off the issues which cost him a place in the squad for Burnley last Saturday to play in any potential friendly. He was once again snubbed by the England national side although the injury would have prevented a call-up.

With White, Cedric Soares is the other obvious candidate to play but on the left with Reuell Walters and Zane Monloius continuing on from their appearance against Reading. Walters is no stranger to sharing the field with the first team having played on numerous occasions.

Into midfield and Fabio Vieira who featured against Reading makes sense to get some minutes as he serves a three-match ban for his red card against Burnley. Martin Odegaard was not called up by Norway and the club confirmed he was suffering from a continuing hip injury and concussion with Arteta hopeful he might be back after the break meaning some minutes in a friendly could be a way of easing him back into the action.

The midfield attacking pair would be anchored by Bradley Ibrahim. Ibrahim who got his first senior competitive squad inclusion against Burnley last weekend has impressed in the defensive midfield role and the club have been impressed with his development, football.london understands.

The forward line contains the other Reading participant Reiss Nelson who went viral thanks to his skilful assist for Khayon Edwards who also starts. The forward three is completed by Charles Sagoe Jr. who made his senior debut against Brentford in the League Cup this season.

Arsenal Dream XI: Ejeheri, Walters, White, Monlois, Cedric, Ibrahim, Vieira, Odegaard, Nelson, Sagoe Jr, Edwards.