Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will likely start against Norway, as they did in the 3-2 win over Mexico, with Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke on the bench. They’ll be facing off against skipper Martin Ødegaard who’s led Norway to their best ever run in a World Cup having knocked out Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli in the last round.
William Saliba will start for France against Morocco, part of the most convincing side so far at the tournament.
Mikel Merino sent Spain through with his goal off the bench, joined by David Raya and Martin Zubimendi, while Leandro Trossard played a prominent role in knocking out the United States, although it remains to be seen if he returns to Arsenal with Turkish side Besiktas heavily linked.
Those who’ve been knocked out already will be enjoying their 2–3-week holidays before training begins, with Spanish side Girona the first officially scheduled friendly on August 1st.
The challenge will be managing those still in the tournament and not rushing them back too quickly to start the season. Having played 63 matches in all competitions last season, giving the players who go deeper in the World Cup an extra week or two off may be a good move to preserve fitness later in the season.
There’s been reports of Rice struggling with a neural injury that’s been impacting his lower back and hamstring, Saka has been nursing an achilles injury from the Premier League season, and Saliba has been managing a back issue.
While it may weaken the side for the first few games of the season, extra rest for Arsenal’s three most important players is vital for their recovery and their availability as the season goes on.
It may also be an area to address in the transfer window, knowing the impact of fatigue and heightened injury risk, and that seems clear with the links to central midfielders in particular.
England, France and Spain remain among the favourites for the tournament, meaning a bunch of players are likely to miss pre-season as well as the first few games. But after winning the Premier League, having Arsenal players coming home with the World Cup will only further the winning mentality in the group.