Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice with the Premier League trophy
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice with the Premier League trophy (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images For Premier League)
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on three players who could return for the Community Shield and two players who are still out injured.
Speaking at his press conference, the Gunners boss made it clear that William Saliba and Jurrien Timber are still unavailable, with Saliba in particularly looking like a long-term issue.
Meanwhile, on a more positive note, Arteta suggested he could have Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi available for the game against Manchester City.
Reigning Premier League champions Arsenal take on FA Cup holders Man City in the traditional season curtain-raiser, but it remains to be seen exactly how strong both sets of teams will be.
As per Simon Collings in the post below, there is at least some hope of three key players making it back for Arsenal…
The World Cup in the summer means some players have come back later than others, with Zubimendi making it to the final with eventual winners Spain, while Saka and Rice played in the semi-finals and third place playoff with England.
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Arsenal and Manchester City looking for early psychological edge
The Community Shield might not be the biggest trophy in the world, but it’s also far from the overhyped friendly that some people treat it as.
And with Arsenal and City surely set to be among the main Premier League title contenders again in 2026/27, they’ll be eager to lay down a marker with a big result to start the campaign.
Arsenal have a poor recent record against City, failing to beat them last season, even though they still went on to win the league.
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during the pre-season friendly vs Girona
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Arteta’s side snatched a last-minute equaliser at home to City in their first encounter, but then lost 2-0 to Pep Guardiola’s side in the Carabao Cup final and 2-1 in the second league fixture at the Etihad Stadium.
Enzo Maresca is now the new City manager and he’ll also be eager to make a winning start to ease the pressure on himself a bit after replacing a club legend and all-time great in the MCFC dugout.