Arsenal return to Emirates Stadium on Sunday for their final major test before the Community Shield as Mikel Arteta’s side face Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup.
The Premier League champions are still managing a staggered return following the World Cup, while several injury concerns leave Arteta with decisions to make ahead of Manchester City next weekend.
William Saliba remains unavailable after the back problem that disrupted his summer, while Jurriën Timber has also missed Arsenal’s pre-season programme following minor surgery.
Louie Copley has now joined the injury list after confirming he ruptured his ACL during Wednesday’s 3-1 defeat to Real Betis. ReadArsenal covered the 19-year-old’s injury update on Saturday.
Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke were among the senior players absent against Betis following deep World Cup runs, while Martin Ødegaard had only recently returned to individual training.
The biggest new selection question surrounds Bruno Guimarães.
Arsenal officially completed the £75million signing on Saturday, with the Brazil international joining on a four-year deal plus an option.
Whether Sunday comes too soon for his first minutes remains to be seen.
Arsenal predicted line-up v Dortmund
With several internationals still being carefully reintegrated, Arteta could again use a mixed side.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Kepa; Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapié, Lewis-Skelly; Nørgaard, Ødegaard, Havertz; Tzolis, Gyökeres, Martinelli.
Christos Tzolis and Viktor Gyökeres should receive another opportunity in attack, while Ødegaard could build further minutes if he is cleared to start.
The midfield will be particularly interesting following Guimarães’ arrival. ReadArsenal has already examined how his signing gives Arteta major choices alongside Rice, Ødegaard and Martín Zubimendi.
Dortmund should provide a significant step up. The Bundesliga side confirmed the Emirates friendly as part of their own preparations, with the game taking place one week before Arsenal face Manchester City in the Community Shield.
How to watch Arsenal v Borussia Dortmund
Arsenal face Dortmund at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, 9 August, with kick-off scheduled for 2pm BST.
The match is set to be available to watch through Arsenal’s official digital channels, giving supporters another opportunity to assess Arteta’s squad before competitive football returns.
The result will matter less than the performance.
After conceding three times against Betis, Arsenal need a more controlled display against stronger opposition, while Arteta will also hope several returning players can take another step towards full fitness.
With Manchester City waiting next Sunday, the Dortmund game represents one of Arsenal’s final opportunities to remove the remaining pre-season rust.
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