From Maarten Vandevoordt’s Belgian call-up to Ezechiel Banzuzi’s allegiance switch for DR Congo, stars across Europe and Africa prepare for crucial qualifiers and Nations League clashes this week.
The first international break of the season will see 11 RB Leipzig players leave club duty to represent their countries, with players heading across Europe and Africa for Nations League fixtures, World Cup-related competitions and U21 qualifiers.
Maarten Vandevoordt is the latest RB player to receive a call-up, joining Belgium's squad under new head coach Mark van Bommel. The 24-year-old has established himself as Leipzig's number one and will now look to fight for his place at international level. Belgium face Italy, France and Turkey.
Neil El Aynaoui has been included in Morocco's 29-man squad.
The midfielder will be involved in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying against Gabon and Lesotho, followed by a friendly against Ghana.
Germany will have three Leipzig representatives. David Raum, Ridle Baku, and Brajan Gruda have all been selected by Jürgen Klopp. The trio will join the squad later in the break and could feature against Serbia and Greece.
Nicolas Seiwald has once again been called up by Austria. The midfielder remains an important part of Ralf Rangnick's plans and faces fixtures against Israel, Kosovo and Ireland during the international window.
Antonio Nusa and Ørjan Nyland will both represent Norway.
Nusa continues to be an important attacking option for his country, while Nyland provides experience in goal. Norway faces Denmark, Portugal, and Wales.
Willi Orbán remains a key figure for Hungary and has been selected by Marco Rossi. The Leipzig captain will be involved in four matches against Ukraine, Northern Ireland and Georgia, with another meeting against Ukraine also scheduled.
For Ezechiel Banzuzi, the break marks an important step in his international career.
After representing the Netherlands at the youth level, the midfielder has switched allegiance to DR Congo and received his first senior call-up. Banzuzi has started four of Leipzig's first five competitive matches this season, contributing one goal and two assists.
Finally, Tidiam Gomis has received his first call-up to the France U21 squad. The attacker has made an encouraging start to the season, scoring once and providing two assists in his first three Bundesliga appearances. France face Iceland, Estonia, Luxembourg and Switzerland in U21 European Championship qualifying.
For Die Roten Bullen, the international break offers 11 players the opportunity to gain valuable experience with their respective national teams, but it also leaves Martín Demichelis with plenty to consider. With a significant part of his squad away on international duty, the Argentine coach will have to put some of his plans on hold and potentially rethink his approach ahead of the Bundesliga's return.
The situation is particularly relevant after Leipzig's latest defeat, which exposed areas Demichelis will want to address during the break.
