Source shares Nuno thinking as West Ham plans in place at Rush Green over the international break

West Ham United are keeping busy as an extended international break is set to get underway.

It has been a pretty ideal start to life back in the Championship for the claret and blue outfit.

A difficult opening three games in the second tier have made way for a superb run of form.

The Hammers now sit second in the table, with a draw to Millwall keeping them off top spot.

A break has arguably come at a good time as it gives Nuno Espirito Santo a chance to get together with his squad after a gruelling 11 games in 42 days.

The Irons head coach already has plans in place as Rush Green prepares to open its doors.

What is Nuno Espirito Santo planning for the international break?

There is always a balancing act between match sharpness and rest for those not departing on international duty.

Keeping stars fresh is always necessary, but they still need to keep on top of their fitness.

That gives Nuno a slight headache for this break which is set to span across an extended three weeks.

Claret and Hugh have now reported that West Ham have arranged a behind-closed-doors friendly at Rush Green

The Wednesday report outlines that the game will kick-off next week, although the opposition is not yet known.

It is suggested that the team will be "seasoned opposition" rather than being a simple training game.

This all comes after Nuno gave his players time off to recover from a busy start to the campaign.

He doesn't want his players to spend an entire break away from playing, so has arranged a friendly, a regular feature since the manager came in last season.

Who will be available to Nuno in West Ham friendly?

The upcoming outing will give a chance to many to prove a point to the head coach at Rush Green.

Ironically, there will still be a raft of talent available as few players have actually been called up to their national teams.

Mads Hermansen, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Manor Solomon have departed for senior squads, while Edvin Austbo, Airidas Golambeckis, Finlay Herrick, Ezra Mayers and Divine Mukasa will link up in the England under-20 squad.

The rest of the squad will be available, with capped internationals like Jarrod Bowen and Edson Alvarez left at home.

That could play perfectly into Nuno's hands as he gets an ideal chance to assess his players over the break.