‘A few more players’ – Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal return news
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal expect several more senior players to return imminently after Ben White completed 60 minutes against Girona.
The latest Arsenal fitness news arrives at an important stage of pre-season, with the Gunners preparing to face Real Betis in Dublin on Wednesday.
Arsenal beat Girona 4-1 on Saturday as White captained the side on his first appearance since suffering a knee injury against West Ham in May.
The defender came through an hour without any apparent problems before returning after full-time to lift the Costa Brava trophy. According to The Standard, his availability could prove particularly important while Jurrien Timber continues his recovery and William Saliba is expected to miss the start of the season.
Arsenal stand-in captain Ben White accepting the Costa Brava Trophy. 🖤🏆 pic.twitter.com/PO7C5xfzlr
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) August 1, 2026
Arteta revealed after the Girona victory that further reinforcements will soon return to his training group.
“Yes, and we’re going to start to get a few more players as well,” Arteta said.
The Arsenal boss added that those who have already returned from World Cup duty are in good physical condition, although there remains work to do before the competitive campaign begins.
ReadArsenal previously detailed the staggered return dates for Arsenal’s World Cup players, with several senior figures given three weeks away following their respective tournament exits.
Martin Odegaard is now among those expected back shortly. Norway were eliminated by England on 11 July, although Wednesday’s meeting with Betis is likely to arrive too soon for the Arsenal captain.
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are due to follow later after reaching the latter stages of the World Cup.
White’s successful return is particularly welcome for Arteta. The 28-year-old can operate at right-back or centre-back, giving Arsenal another experienced defensive option while Saliba and Timber work towards full fitness.
With more players now approaching their return dates, Arteta’s squad should begin taking a more familiar shape during the final weeks of pre-season.
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