Were it not for several Arsenal injuries, Mikel Arteta might have watched his entire squad, bar one player, leave on international duty. The quality of the Arsenal team now is such that almost every single one of this group is of an international standard.
The only player who would likely not have been called up for international duty is Kepa Arrizabalaga. Unlike David Raya, who has been fighting with Unai Simon for Spain’s number one spot, several others, including the third-choice pick for these fixtures, Alex Remiro, are ahead of the former Chelsea man.
Yet the other six players staying behind in London Colney for extra sessions, or rehabilitation of course, include Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Christian Norgaard, Benjamin White, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
Both Havertz and Saka are continuing work on their rehab with the German international not expected back for many weeks. While the England winger who suffered a hamstring issue against Leeds has a much shorter return timeline and could be targeting the hosting of Manchester City as a potential return date.
White has been absent since the opening match of the season, but Arteta alluded to him fighting to return for the match with Liverpool. Similar was said about Norgaard who has not yet made his official debut for the club.
Jesus has posted several updates as he is now working on the grass with the ball following a knee surgery at the start of the year. However, a return in November/December is believed to be more likely.
Lastly, there is Saliba, who suffered a twisted ankle before the game with Liverpool. football.london witnessed him walking through the mixed zone unaided but with a slight limp.
The hope is the issue is not too serious and it might be the break has come at the perfect time for him to work his way back into the squad. Other than these seven, Arteta will be able to do some work with some of the younger players.
Arsenal have made some acquisitions this summer to their youth side including the permanent signing of Marcell Washington who was at the club on a trial basis. The left-back is very talented and is the son of former Chelsea man Ryan Bertrand.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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