International Break Roundup: November 18 - 19

As seems to be the case with every international break, Premier League players are dropping like flies with injuries sustained on duty for their respective national sides. Some players did make it through unscathed, however, and some even showed glimpses of form that should put them in your thoughts for the upcoming weekend of fantasy football.

Let's take a look at the latest fixtures, results and match news to catch you up on all the big news affecting Premier League players.

Tuesday, November 18

England 3 - 1 Scotland

With Daniel Sturridge yet again aggravating an injury over the International Break (he wasn't even playing this time!), England have had to call on others to lead the line, and they've responded well. Wayne Rooney added another two goals to his national tally, with one from the spot and one from open play. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain put in another solid display and got on the scoresheet for England as well.

Andrew Robertson will be pushing to be reinstated in Steve Bruce's Hull team after scoring for the Scots, though his competition at left wingback may have done enough to keep him on the bench for the foreseeable future (see below). Luke Shaw and Danny Welbeck picked up minor knocks, but should be available for the weekend, along with Jordan Henderson who missed out with a hamstring complaint.

Uruguay 2 - 1 Chile

That man Alexis Sanchez scored again (surprise, surprise), but wasn't able to drag his side to a victory over Uruguay. Mauricio Isla and Eduardo Vargas were also involved again, though Vargas was substituted in the second half. Gaston Ramirez made an appearance off the bench for the victors.

Ireland 4 - 1 United States

As an American this was a tough result to swallow, but not entirely surprising given Jurgen Klinsmann's experimentation since his team were knocked out of the World Cup this summer. Geoff Cameron and Jozy Altidore picked up a pair of bookings, while Hull City midfielder Robbie Brady continued his revival with a brace against the Americans. Shane Long and Aiden McGeady made substitute appearances from the bench in the second half.

Portugal 1 - 0 Argentina

A match billed as a clash between the two best players in the world ended up being a bit disappointing as both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were withdrawn from the friendly after the first half. There was some drama, though, as Nani scythed down his Manchester United replacement Angel Di Maria in the first half. The fantasy star was able to continue, though he was taken for an x-ray following the match and is doubtful for the weekend. Sergio Aguero was given the night off and will be fresh for City's match against Swansea this weekend.

Brazil 2 - 1 Austria

Chelsea's Brazilian trio of Filipe Luis, Oscar and Willian were involved from the start again, and while it was Willian who was the main man last time out, Luis and Oscar each contributed with assists against the Austrians. Fernandinho also completed the 90 minutes for Brazil, while Marko Arnautovic started for Austria.

Wednesday, November 19

Nigeria 2 - 2 South Africa

Hull City striker Sone Aluko was on target twice for Nigeria, but it wasn't enough for the defending African Cup of Nations champions to qualify for the 2015 tournament as they needed a victory over South Africa to move on. Aluko, along with any other Premier League players to take part in qualifying matches on Wednesday, is probably due a rest for Week 12.

D.R. Congo 3 - 1 Sierra Leone

Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie notched a brace as his side claimed victory over Sierra Leone, which was enough to qualify for the tournament in January. Bolasie will likely be replaced by Wilfried Zaha this weekend, as well as in the new year when Bolasie heads back to Africa to help his national side.

Senegal 3 - 0 Botswana

Papiss Cisse recovered from the injury that kept him out of Newcastle's last match to score a goal for Senegal. While travel will likely mean Ayoze Perez continues as the main striker for the Magpies this weekend, it's worth considering that Cisse may replace the youngster soon if he's unable to replicate his pre-International Break form.

Tunisia 2 - 1 Egypt

Mohamed Salah scored the opening goal of the match, but his team eventually fell to defeat against Tunisia, meaning former powerhouse Egypt failed to qualify for the African Cup of Nations tournament. Salah will have to carry his international form back to club side Chelsea if he has any hopes of breaking into the starting lineup, but he'll at least be around in January to fill in should any of Oscar, Willian or Eden Hazard miss out or need a rest.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Has the International Break changed your plans for your Week 12 team? Who are some of the players you're now considering instead of some of the big-name players who picked up injuries on their travels? Let's chat!