Arsenal are counting down to the start of their 2025/26 Premier League campaign, with a blockbuster trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday.
The Gunners head into the opener full of confidence after wrapping up pre-season with a convincing 3-0 win over Athletic Club on Saturday, a result that secured the Emirates Cup. Summer signing Viktor Gyokeres marked his home debut in style, scoring his first goal for the club, while Riccardo Calafiori and Kai Havertz made timely returns from injury to prove their fitness.
Manager Mikel Arteta will be buoyed by a largely healthy squad heading into the new campaign. However, questions remain over the availability of two attacking options, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard ahead of the trip to Manchester.
Gabriel Jesus - Arsenal
Gabriel Jesus - Arsenal
Jesus has not featured for Arsenal since January’s FA Cup third-round loss to United, having been plagued by persistent knee problems. The Brazilian underwent surgery earlier this year to repair a torn cruciate ligament and, while he has kept supporters updated on his recovery, he is still some way from returning to competitive action. He is expected back before the end of 2025.
Trossard, meanwhile, missed Saturday’s win with a minor groin issue picked up in a pre-season defeat to Tottenham last month. Arteta remains hopeful the Belgian will be available against United, saying: “I think he is going to be in a few days. He had a little niggle in the groin but he should be fine.”
Arsenal star Leandro Trossard
Arsenal star Leandro Trossard
With Gyokeres already off the mark, key players regaining fitness, and only a couple of injury concerns, Arsenal will head to Old Trafford with momentum and belief as they begin their latest push for the Premier League title.