Arsenal handed four-player boost before Borussia Dortmund clash
Arsenal have received a significant squad boost ahead of Sunday’s Emirates Cup meeting with Borussia Dortmund, with Mikel Arteta welcoming several senior players back into contention.
The Arsenal team news vs Borussia Dortmund includes positive updates on Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres.
The Gunners return to the Emirates after a mixed start to pre-season, having beaten Girona before losing 3-1 against Real Betis.
Arteta has been forced to manage a staggered summer return following the World Cup, leaving several important players short of preparation time.
That picture is beginning to improve.
talkSPORT reports that Gabriel, Martinelli, Havertz and Gyokeres have now returned to Arteta’s plans, giving the Arsenal head coach considerably more experience to work with ahead of Dortmund’s visit.
Gabriel’s return is particularly welcome while William Saliba continues his rehabilitation from a back problem.
Martinelli gives Arteta another senior attacking option, while Havertz and Gyokeres increase the competition through the middle.
Arsenal are still waiting for several internationals to fully reintegrate following extended World Cup involvement.
The club’s Spanish and England internationals are expected to return shortly, while Jurriën Timber’s fitness continues to require careful management.
Sunday therefore represents another important stage in Arsenal’s preparations rather than simply an opportunity to win the Emirates Cup.
Arteta needs minutes in the legs of players who arrived back later than much of the squad, with the Community Shield against Manchester City now just a week away.
The Arsenal team news vs Borussia Dortmund should allow Arteta to field a considerably stronger group than he had available earlier in pre-season.
How many of the returning quartet are ready to start remains to be seen, but their availability is a timely boost as Arsenal’s competitive opener moves closer.
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