Arsenal
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Arsenal are bracing for a thrilling Champions League showdown with Atletico Madrid this week, as Mikel Arteta’s side look to maintain their flawless start to the competition.
The Gunners have been in fine form on the European stage, claiming wins over Athletic Club and Olympiacos to open their League Phase campaign. Atletico, meanwhile, will arrive in north London on the back of a convincing victory against Eintracht Frankfurt, though they were beaten by Liverpool at Anfield just a month ago.
It will be only the third time these two heavyweights have faced each other, and Arsenal enter the tie full of confidence. Arteta’s men are unbeaten in five matches across all competitions and are chasing a remarkable 12th consecutive home clean sheet in the Champions League’s group or league phase.
Bookmakers currently rank Arsenal as the third favourites to win the Champions League this season, and a strong result on Tuesday night would only strengthen their credentials as serious contenders.
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The Gunners come into the midweek fixture riding high after Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Fulham at Craven Cottage, a result that saw them reclaim top spot in the Premier League following Manchester City’s brief stint at the summit.
In the build-up to the Atletico clash, Arteta’s preparations have been boosted by the return of a familiar face to training. According to Arsenal insider Connor Humm, former academy striker Tyreece John-Jules has been training with the first team ahead of the European tie. The 24-year-old, now a free agent, has been working at London Colney to maintain fitness and possibly open the door to a future opportunity.
Arsenal striker Tyreece John-Jules
Former Arsenal striker Tyreece John-Jules (Image credit: Getty Images)
John-Jules, who joined Arsenal’s academy at just eight years old, spent 15 years with the club but never made a competitive first-team appearance. Nevertheless, he regularly trained with senior players and impressed then-assistant coach Freddie Ljungberg, earning himself a loan move to Lincoln City. He also featured in Mikel Arteta’s matchday squad for Arsenal’s 2020 Community Shield win over Liverpool.
During his time with the Gunners, John-Jules embarked on several loan spells to Doncaster Rovers, Blackpool, Sheffield Wednesday, Ipswich Town, and Derby County, before leaving the club in 2024. He went on to join Cardiff City, making 27 appearances in all competitions before being released last summer.
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His path back to Arsenal’s training ground followed an eye-catching display in a PFA-organised friendly against Brighton’s Under-21s in August, where he found the net. That performance led to him rejoining Mehmet Ali’s Under-21 squad, as shown in footage released by Hayters TV.
The timing of John-Jules’ return coincides with an impressive run for Arsenal’s Under-21s, who have bounced back from an opening defeat to Fulham with victories over Brighton, Wolves, Derby County, and Newport County in the EFL Trophy.
John-Jules also remains close friends with Arsenal summer signing Noni Madueke, having attended the winger’s unveiling earlier this year. While it’s unclear whether his return will lead to a permanent reunion, his involvement highlights Arsenal’s ongoing commitment to offering former academy talents a route back into the fold.
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