Arsenal team news has improved ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Como after Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi returned to first-team training.
The five players were back at London Colney on Tuesday following their involvement at the World Cup, with Arsenal confirming their return through the club’s official channels.
Mikel Arteta has spent much of pre-season working without several senior internationals, but his squad is now beginning to take shape before competitive football returns.
Bukayo Saka and David Raya had already reported back earlier than expected. ReadArsenal reported on Tuesday that the pair cut their summer breaks short to rejoin Arteta’s group.
Rice, Eze and Madueke were part of England’s World Cup campaign, while Merino and Zubimendi were involved with Spain.
Their return does not guarantee significant minutes against Como on Wednesday evening, particularly with Arteta having to carefully manage players who are only just beginning their pre-season programmes.
The timing is still valuable. Arsenal face Como in their final friendly before Sunday’s Community Shield against Manchester City, giving Arteta only a short window to prepare his strongest available squad.
Rice’s return is particularly important in midfield after he missed Arsenal’s opening friendlies, while Eze and Madueke add further attacking options. Merino and Zubimendi also strengthen a midfield group that has become even more competitive following the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes.
Arteta is still without William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, who are expected to miss the Community Shield through injury.
Arsenal may therefore use the Como game to build fitness rather than immediately field their strongest XI, but having another five senior players back on the training pitch is a significant step before the season begins.
Arsenal v Como: How to watch, TV channel and kick-off time
Arsenal v Como: How to watch, TV channel and kick-off time
Arsenal make key appointment after Saliba and Timber injury blows
Arsenal make key appointment after Saliba and Timber injury blows