Declan Rice has been managing neural pain in his hamstring for more than six months — an injury that forced him off at half-time in England's World Cup quarter-final win over Norway. Arsenal now face a dilemma over how to manage his return alongside Bukayo Saka, who was held back for much of the tournament by Thomas Tuchel amid an Achilles issue, despite the winger insisting he was fit and healthy.
Kai Havertz is expected back in the coming days, but has been training at his former club Bayer Leverkusen this week. Piero Hincapie and Viktor Gyokeres have completed their three weeks of holiday after the World Cup and should return next week. Brazilian duo Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli are also due back at the start of next week.
“Arsenal face decisions on Rice and Saka fitness as World Cup stars return in phases, with Havertz training at Leverkusen.”
Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke, part of England's squad but not regulars, will be fresher than some. Mikel Merino, who proved a huge hit off the bench for Spain but with limited minutes, will also benefit from lighter usage. Norway were beaten by England on July 11, meaning Martin Odegaard will be available to train again in the week commencing August 3. David Raya and Martin Zubimendi played very little as Spain celebrated their triumph.
Arsenal will play Girona in Spain on August 1, and Mikel Arteta will have some of his World Cup players back, but the clash will come too soon for Odegaard. Over the following 11 days, the Gunners face Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund and Como. Among the returning loanees are Ethan Nwaneri, Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira, while teenage sensation Max Dowman is among the youngsters in the main squad. New back-up goalkeeper Illan Meslier has joined after signing from Leeds.