When Norwich City looked at the fixture list for the opening month or so of the Premier League season, the visit of two top-six sides to Carrow Road would have stood out as an encapsulation of the step up required following their promotion last season, .
There was little let-up in the performances of City's myriad stars during their enforced hiatus from domestic action as they shone on international duty.
Striker Raheem Sterling scored one and set up three goals as England stormed to a 5-1 lead against Kosovo before conceding two second-half goals in a surprisingly close-run victory.
Bernardo Silva set up two goals as Portugal beat Lithuania 5-1 and Oleksandr Zinchenko scored his second goal in as many games for Ukraine in a 2-2 with Nigeria in a friendly match in Dnipro.
Kevin De Bruyne was also sensational in Belgium's midfield, playing a part in all of their goals as they breezed past Scotland 4-0.
Norwich coach Daniel Farke has concerns in defence, where Christoph Zimmermann and Tim Klose have both been ruled out.
The City boss will be hoping Grant Hanley, who has had a groin issue, will be available to bolster his numbers at the back.
Ibrahim Amadou, signed on a season-long loan from Sevilla in August, could also be an option in defence.
The Frenchman is usually deployed as a defensive midfielder, so he could also replace Tom Trybull, who has an ankle injury.
Aymeric Laporte is the most glaring absence for City after the defender suffered a painful-looking injury as he slipped on the turf during the victory over Brighton.
Laporte had to be stretchered off, leaving coach Pep Guardiola with a headache given his lack of available senior centre-backs.
John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi are options to replace the Frenchman, but Fernandinho is the most likely deputy.
Midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is a doubt after leaving Germany's squad through illness before the Northern Ireland win, but defender Benjamin Mendy could be among the substitutes as he advances his return from a knee problem.
Spain stalwart David Silva's retirement from internationals could mean the City captain will be fresher than some of his teammates, potentially ensuring a start for the creative midfielder.