Mathieu Flamini thinks the upcoming internationals will provide a timely respite for Arsenal ahead of a busy winter schedule.
The Gunners' five-game winning streak in the league came to an end on Sunday with a 1-1 draw at West Bromwich Albion.
Flamini, named man of the match by Arsenal's Twitter followers, will now recharge his batteries - and he's not the only one.
"For us it is a chance to have players coming back into the group like maybe Theo [Walcott] and Santi [Cazorla]"
"I think it [the break] comes at a really good time because we have played a lot," said Flamini. "Obviously everybody is tired physically and tired mentally because you have to give 200 per cent in every single game.
"For us it is a chance to have players coming back into the group like maybe Theo [Walcott] and Santi [Cazorla]. I hope everyone will be back soon."
The 29-year-old put in another battling display at the Hawthorns and has nailed down a spot at the heart of Arsenal's midfield since his return. And Flamini does not think the physical demands of the Premier League have changed since he left England in 2008.
"I don’t think it is harder - the Premier League was very hard before and it is still as hard as before," he said. "Top players were playing in the Premier League before and top players are still playing in the Premier League now. That means it's very physical and very quick from one side to another.
"The transition from the defence to the attack is very quick. We have a lot of space also and of course for me it is the most difficult championship. We can see that every time on the pitch."
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