Arsenal's 3-0 Community Shield demolition of Manchester City is living proof the Gunners will be able to gradually ease several players back in gradually following their World Cup exploits
Mikel Arteta is looking to fire Arsenal towards more trophies
Mikel Arteta with the Community Shield(Image: Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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The early parts of this season will test Mikel Arteta's resolve because the likes of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Martin Zubimendi will understandably be eager to play.
They were three of the last players to return to training following an extended break after the World Cup and now that the new season is upon us, they will want to play.
They came off the bench against Manchester City in Cardiff but are not yet up to speed because they've had several weeks of rest, which is exactly what their bodies needed.
While they will feel ready to contribute from the get-go, Arteta must hold them back because rushing them back into the fold will only lead to complications.
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You don't need to be a medical expert to perceive that last season, plus the World Cup, was a gruelling workload for just about any Arsenal player.
It's been a strange season because Arteta has had to utilise youth and fringe players more than ever, so from that perspective, it would not be logical to immediately thrust the likes of Rice and Saka back into the starting XI.
Arsenal now have the depth to cope and a few substitute appearances would certainly go a long way toward rebuilding their condition.
The Gunners have a tough opening six matches. They host Coventry City, then travel to Aston Villa, host Chelsea, travel to Sunderland and Brighton before hosting Leeds.
Coventry is the perfect first game for the Premier League champions because the team virtually picks itself after beating City so convincingly in the Community Shield.
Beyond that, depending on how the team fares, Arteta can make tweaks accordingly but the long-term fitness of key stars is more important than short-term results.
Yes, Arsenal don't want to start on the wrong foot or be playing catch-up but they have quality in their ranks and the capacity to cope.
There are horses for course, on the right wing, they have Noni Madueke and Max Dowman while Bruno Guimaraes and Myles Lewis-Skelly look ready to hit the ground running.
They complemented each other nicely in Wales, and new connections are building all over the pitch.
That's not to say Rice, Saka and Martin Zubimendi's star quality isn't needed but it's a long, gruelling season and if Arsenal can avoid picking up injuries, they're in good stead to retain the title.
Last Sunday's result was the biggest possible boost because there is now huge momentum heading into Friday, when the Emirates will be rocking.
Beyond that, there will be scope to adjust the line-up but theoretically, there does not feel like any real need to change a winning formula.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will be pushing to start for Arsenal vs Coventry City(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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It gives the players currently out of the side hunger to keep pushing in training while Arteta and the Arsenal medical staff analyse and continue building the sharpness of said stars.
Arteta may feel the trip to Villa Park is too big a match to leave Rice and Saka out of the starting XI but if the Gunners turn up against Coventry and deliver another strong display, he may be more inclined to continue with what he has.
Starting either against the Sky Blues feels slightly unnecessary as the club's new-found momentum is something the Spaniard has worked so hard to build.
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Even though Rice and Saka are chomping at the bit, they are mature and experienced enough to understand the situation.
Neither want to experience the same level of discomfort they juggled at the World Cup and the prospect of an injury-free campaign would very much be welcomed.
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