As the clock ticks to one week until Saints are back in Premier League action at West Ham, it’s already been a dramatic and busy international break for the club’s contingent of stars on duty with their nations.

With a squad of 30 players at Ruben Selles’s disposal, 13 were selected for international action over this two-week window. 

It’s an opportunity for some of those out of favour in recent weeks to get valuable minutes and work their way towards full fitness while Saints fans will no doubt be crossing their fingers that everyone returns to Staplewood healthy enough to contribute to the relegation run-in.

READ MORE: Will Saints survive? How things stand in the relegation battle with ten games to go

Here is a run-down of how Saints’ internationals have fared over the weekend…

Paul Onuachu and Joe Aribo - Nigeria

Nigeria 0-1 Gunea-Bissau

It was a thoroughly disappointing first game of two in this international break for Saints’ Nigerians, Onuachu and Aribo.

Not only were the Super Eagles surprisingly beaten 1-0 at home to Guinea-Bissau but neither Saint started for Jose Peseiro’s side.

Desperate for any kind of opportunity after missing out on Selles’s six matchday squads in the Premier League thus far, Aribo once again failed to see the pitch as he remained on the bench for Nigeria’s defeat.

Onuachu, brought to the South Coast in the final hours of January’s deadline day, fared slightly better as he replaced Leicester striker Kelechi Iheanacho at half-time. 

But with Nigeria already losing 1-0 upon his introduction, Onuachu couldn’t help his country reverse the momentum as they struggled to break through Guinea-Bissau’s stubborn defence despite racking up 17 shots with 69% of the ball.

Nigeria face the same opposition - away from home this time - on Monday evening. They now sit second in their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group, one point behind Guinea-Bissau.

Moussa Djenepo - Mali

Mali 2-0 Gambia

It was a successful start to the international break for Mali who triumphed 2-0 against Gambia thanks to goals in either half from Kamory Doumbia and Adama Traore.

Unfortunately, it was an underwhelming afternoon for Saints winger Djenepo who remained on the bench throughout.

Djenepo has now started just once in 2023 - during Saints' 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Grimsby Town - but he will have another chance to potentially see action when Mali visit Gambia for Saturday’s reverse fixture on Tuesday afternoon.

Jan Bednarek - Poland

Czech Republic 3-1 Poland

After exiting Saints’ 3-3 draw with Spurs in the first half due to a rib injury, there was understandable doubt around Bednarek’s participation during the international break and beyond.

But in positive news for Saints, the central defender avoided major injury and remained a part of the Polish camp. And in a remarkable turnaround, Bednarek started and played all 90 minutes of Poland’s 3-1 defeat to the Czech Republic on Friday.

As of now, it appears he made it through the Euro 2024 qualifier unscathed but it remains to be seen if he can play twice in 72 hours as Poland prepare for another qualifier on Monday evening - this time hosting Albania.

Either way, Bednarek’s swift return to action bodes well for his chances of being involved when Saints return next weekend with a crucial trip to West Ham.

Romeo Lavia - Belgium

Sweden 0-3 Belgium

It was the perfect introduction to a new era of Belgian football under Domenico Tedesco as the Red Devils cruised to a 3-0 victory against Sweden, Romelu Lukaku grabbing a hat-trick.

Lavia though will have to wait a bit longer for his senior Belgium debut as he stayed on the bench throughout. The young midfielder will have another chance to make his maiden appearance when Belgium play Germany in a friendly on Tuesday.

Stuart Armstrong and Che Adams - Scotland

Cyprus 0-3 Scotland

Scotland’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign got off to the ideal start on Saturday as they swept Cyprus aside 3-0 with John McGinn opening the scoring in the first half before Scott McTominay struck twice late on to seal the points.

Both Armstrong and Adams started for their country but the latter was forced off with a tight calf just before the hour-mark. He has since withdrawn from the Scotland camp and now faces a race against time to be fit for Saints’ Premier League return at the London Stadium.

Armstrong got 77 minutes at Hampden Park and should be in contention to start once again on Tuesday evening when Scotland host Spain.

Moi Elyounoussi - Norway

Spain 3-0 Norway

While Elyounoussi’s Norway suffered defeat to Spain, it was a landmark occasion for the Saints midfielder as he earned his 50th international cap.

Operating from the left flank, Elyounoussi played 74 minutes before being withdrawn with Norway down 1-0 to Dani Olmo’s early opener. Joselu then added to the lead with a quick-fire brace just a few minutes after Elyounoussi’s exit.

Norway will look to get their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on track on Tuesday when they travel to Georgia.

Mislav Orsic - Croatia

Croatia 1-1 Wales

Orsic’s disastrous St Mary’s transfer has somehow now appeared even worse than initially thought with the winger losing his starting berth for Croatia alongside his struggles at Saints.

Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic said before Croatia’s draw with Wales that he won’t be able to select Orsic as long as he’s not getting consistent minutes for his club and the boss stuck to his word on Saturday.

Andrej Kramaric struck just before the half-hour mark to give Croatia the lead before Nathan Broadhead snatched a dramatic late equaliser for Wales. 

It seems unlikely at this point, but Orsic will be hoping to get on the pitch for Croatia when they face Turkey away from home on Tuesday.

Samuel Edozie - England under-20s

England under-20s 4-2 USA under-20s

Another Saints player who has struggled for game-time in recent months, Edozie started for the young lions as they emerged victors against the USA in a thrilling back-and-forth contest. 

England took a 2-0 lead thanks to strikes from Leeds United forward Mateo Joseph and Chelsea’s Harvey Vale.

But America hit back with goals either side of half-time to level the scores before Jarell Quansah regained England’s lead moments later. Joseph then notched his brace to kill off the game before Edozie was substituted just past the hour-mark.