Arsenal
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal fans have reason to be excited as Mikel Arteta’s squad prepares for their pre-season showdown with Villarreal on Wednesday, August 6, at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners were handed a triple fitness boost during their latest training session at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Gabriel Magalhaes, and Jurrien Timber all returning to full training. The trio’s availability comes as a timely boost ahead of a busy pre-season schedule and the fast-approaching 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
Gabriel Magalhaes, who picked up a minor injury during Arsenal’s Asia tour, made a full return on Tuesday. The Brazilian centre-back, a key figure in Arteta’s defence, had missed the friendlies against AC Milan, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur but is now on track to feature against Villarreal or in the Emirates Cup clash against Athletic Club on August 9.
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Arteta had previously hinted that Gabriel was nearing a return, and his involvement in training confirms the defender is close to full fitness.
Arsenal
Gabriel Magalhaes and Kepa Arrizabalaga were among the Arsenal players back in training (Image credit: Getty Images)
Also back in action was Jurrien Timber, who has been recovering from ankle surgery since May. The Dutch full-back, who made 48 appearances last season despite an earlier ACL injury, was described by Arteta as a “leader” and “special character.” While Timber may not start against Villarreal, his return to training is a positive sign ahead of the new season.
Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also resumed training after missing the recent friendly against Tottenham due to a minor knock. The summer arrival from Chelsea impressed during the Asia tour, notably saving three penalties against AC Milan. Arteta had dismissed concerns about his injury, and the Spaniard now looks set to battle David Raya for the No. 1 spot.
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Further excitement came with the first full training appearance of summer signing Noni Madueke. The winger, who joined from Chelsea on July 18 after an impressive Club World Cup campaign, cut short his post-tournament break to integrate with the squad early. Known for his direct style and versatility on either wing, Madueke is in contention to make his unofficial debut against Villarreal or Athletic Club.
Looking sharp, Noni ✊
Our summer signing goes under the microscope in Inside Training 📺
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 5, 2025
Fabio Vieira also returned to training, having been absent from earlier pre-season sessions due to an extended break. However, his future remains uncertain amid links to Bundesliga side Stuttgart. While Arteta has previously praised the Portuguese midfielder’s versatility, his current involvement may be viewed as a chance to impress potential suitors.
Despite the positive updates, Arsenal have injury concerns ahead of the Villarreal clash. Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori were absent from training, casting doubt on their availability. Trossard suffered a muscular tweak during the Tottenham match, while Calafiori is nursing a knee issue picked up on international duty. Arteta is expected to err on the side of caution as both players aim to recover in time for the Premier League opener against Manchester United on August 17.
The session also highlighted Arsenal’s ongoing commitment to youth development, with teenage prospects Marli Salmon and Max Dowman training alongside the first team. Dowman, a 15-year-old midfielder handed the No. 56 shirt, is tipped to feature in upcoming friendlies, further evidence of Arteta’s trust in the club’s academy pipeline.
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