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Arsenal training## Arsenal's preparations for the 2026/27 campaign have started with a small section of Mikel Arteta's squad returning to London Colney for the start of pre-season
16:13, 20 Jul 2026Updated 16:18, 20 Jul 2026
10 Arsenal players including forgotten star Reiss Nelson returned to London Colney on Monday to start pre-season. With the World Cup officially over, domestic football will become the focus again with Mikel Arteta and Co. starting their preparations for the 2026/27 campaign and the defence of their Premier League title.
With the Gunners represented by 15 players stateside, only a small number have reported to their training base. Kepa Arrizabalaga, Illan messlier and Christian Norgaard were among those present with Nelson, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Jurrien Timber and Cristhian Mosquera joining them, as confirmed in a social media clip.
The former spent last season on-loan at Brentford with that temporary spell coming after an injury-disrupted loan stint at Fulham the previous year.
The 26-year-old, who now has just 12 months remaining on his contract, seemingly overcame those issues last season but was largely out of favour under Keith Andrews as he made just 14 Premier League appearances.
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He is one of just two attackers spotted with the majority defenders despite four of Arteta's favoured back five being at the World Cup.
That would have been a clean sweep had Timber not pulled out of the Netherlands squad due to an injury. It is understood that he has since had a small operation to help his rehab.
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Upon heading into the building, he said of his recovery: “Getting there slowly, trying hard, rehabbing during the summer, hopefully back soon."
White also missed the final weeks of the season because of a knee injury and he was also on hand to issue a positive update which saw him confirm an imminent return.
He said: "Knee's all good. Started training back with the team last week." One player who is expected to miss the first part of the season is William Saliba after he was forced off with a back issue in France's World Cup semi-final defeat to eventual winners Spain.
The likes of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino are also anticipated to miss some action having reached the latter stages of the World Cup.
A minimum of four weeks' rest is required with their expected return date falling around the Community Shield clash against Manchester City in Cardiff. The Gunners then kick off the Premier League season next Friday against Coventry City.
To have a decent amount of squad depth for those first few weeks more signings will almost certainly be needed. Christos Tzolis is set to join as the replacement for Leandro Trossard while firm target Morgan Rogers opted to join Chelsea instead.
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Arsenal training
Reiss Nelson
Mikel Arteta