Arsenal are set to begin preparations for the defence of their Premier League title without several key first-team players after England’s progress to the World Cup quarter-finals further delayed their summer returns.
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice remain central figures in Thomas Tuchel’s squad after helping England book a last-eight meeting with Norway following their comeback victory over Mexico.
Saka provided the assist for Harry Kane’s winning goal against the co-hosts, while Rice once again completed the match despite continuing to manage an ongoing neural issue affecting his lower back and hamstring.
The midfielder has been playing through the problem for much of the tournament.
After England’s Round of 32 victory over DR Congo, Tuchel revealed Rice had finished the match in significant discomfort before being substituted late on.
The England manager later expressed confidence that the Arsenal midfielder had not suffered a fresh injury, but admitted the pain had become too much for him to continue.
Saka has also been carefully managed throughout the tournament after arriving at the World Cup carrying an Achilles issue.
The Arsenal winger has started only selected matches in a bid to keep him fresh for the knockout rounds, with Tuchel rotating his attacking options.
England’s continued progress means both Saka and Rice will not immediately return to London once their international commitments end.
Players are expected to receive around three weeks of holiday following their elimination from the tournament before reporting back for pre-season.
That schedule could significantly reduce the amount of preparation time available before Arsenal begin their summer programme.
Mikel Arteta’s side open pre-season away to Girona on August 1 before travelling to Dublin to face Real Betis four days later.
Should England reach the latter stages of the competition, Saka and Rice would almost certainly miss both fixtures.
Martin Odegaard could also face a delayed return if Norway continue their remarkable World Cup campaign.
The Arsenal captain inspired Norway to a famous victory over Brazil before setting up a quarter-final meeting with England, guaranteeing that one of Arteta’s most influential players will extend his stay in North America.
The absence of several senior internationals would provide valuable opportunities for Arsenal’s academy prospects during pre-season.
Highly-rated youngsters such as Max Dowman and Marli Salmon are expected to feature prominently, while other emerging players could use the summer friendlies to strengthen their case for first-team involvement.
Arteta is likely to welcome those opportunities, but Arsenal will also be hoping Saka, Rice and Odegaard return fit and refreshed before the Premier League champions begin the defence of their crown later in August.