The Gunners are hosting the Spanish club at Emirates Stadium in what is their final pre-season friendly.
“So we decided to rest him. I think it’s going to be a matter of a couple of days, hopefully at the weekend, if everything goes to plan, I think he will be fit.
“The three that we lost during the tour, it was Big Gabi, Leo and Ricky, and for Saturday I think both of them (Calafiori and Trossard) have a chance if everything in the next few days evolves in the way it has been evolving in the last few days.”
Gabriel and Jurrien Timber are pushing to start against Bilbao after making their first appearances of pre-season off the bench on Wednesday.
Jurrien Timber is in contention to start for Arsenal against Athletic Club
Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Midfielders Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi all came off the bench in that game, too, but they may start together as a trio for the first time this weekend.
Noni Madueke made his first appearance for Arsenal on Wednesday and should get more minutes this weekend.
**Arsenal predicted XI (4-3-3):** Raya; White, Saliba, Kiwior, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli
**Doubts:** Calafiori, Havertz and Trossard
**Time and date:** 5pm BST on Saturday, August 9, 2025
**How to watch:** Arsenal website