Arsenal players returned to training on Monday after a well-deserved break following the 2022/23 campaign.
While some squad members are still on international duty, senior stars, including Gabriel Jesus and Benjamin White, have joined the pre-season preparations.
Other players who have returned to training include Eddie Nketiah, Leandro Trossard, Marquinhos, Rob Holding, Cedric Soares and some of the brightest academy players including Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal ended last season with an impressive 5-0 victory against Wolves on June 28, but despite the result on the last day, there was a sense of disappointment at not clinching the Premier League title. However, Sporting Director Edu Gaspar and Manager Mikel Arteta are not dwelling on the missed opportunity. The duo are currently orchestrating an ambitious £210 million triple swoop in the summer transfer window.
One significant transfer has already been confirmed, as Arsenal secured Kai Havertz from Chelsea. The Gunners now aim to finalize deals for Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice in the coming days.
Arsenal’s pre-season training will commence with a group of dedicated players, preparing for their first fixture against FC Nurnberg on July 13 in Germany.
There is positive news on the injury front, as Oleksandr Zinchenko, Gabriel Martinelli, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Mohamed Elneny have all received the green light to resume training. Elneny, in particular, has already returned to the gym at London Colney over the weekend, indicating his commitment to regaining peak fitness.
READ MORE: Arsenal drop hint that Declan Rice deal is complete.
In contrast to their international teammates, Rob Holding, Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, and Leandro Trossard had June off after not being called up for their national teams. However, there are still question marks surrounding William Saliba and Fabio Vieira.
While Vieira withdrew from the Portugal squad for the under-21 European Championships, Arsenal’s statement on June 19 revealed that he would be ready to return in two weeks. Saliba, on the other hand, was captured on video participating in a light training session in his hometown of Bondy, hinting at a potential return for pre-season.
Certain first-team members, unfortunately, will not report for duty at the start of the week due to international commitments. Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka have been included in England’s qualifying squad, while Emile Smith Rowe is currently representing the Three Lions at the under-21 Euros. Meanwhile, Karl Hein is showcasing his talents for Estonia at the same tournament.
Other Arsenal players have been involved in European Championship qualifying fixtures. Jakub Kiwior, Martin Odegaard, Granit Xhaka, and Kieran Tierney all featured for their respective countries, with Kai Havertz representing Germany in three friendlies, accumulating a total playing time of 214 minutes. Thomas Partey recently played in an AFCON qualifier for Ghana, and Jorginho was part of the Italy team that lost to Spain in the UEFA Nations League final.
Matt Turner and Folarin Balogun had a taste of success in the CONCACAF Nations League final, as the USMNT triumphed over Canada with a 2-0 victory, with Balogun notably finding the back of the net. Turner is currently continuing his international duties as the United States compete in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, having achieved two wins and one draw in the group stage thus far.
As the Arsenal squad reconvenes for pre-season training, excitement builds among fans as the club aims to make significant strides in the upcoming season. Transfer activity and the return of key players from injury provide a positive outlook, as the Gunners gear up for their first challenge against FC Nurnberg next month.
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