Overview
- Arteta confirmed on Friday that Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Martin Zubimendi trained with the first team and are in contention to play in Arsenal’s Community Shield against Manchester City in Cardiff.
- Jurrien Timber is back on the pitch and increasing load in rehab but remains several weeks from full match fitness and is not yet ready for competitive action.
- William Saliba faces a more significant, longer-term back problem and will miss the Community Shield while the club manages his recovery cautiously.
- All five players missed Arsenal’s pre-season friendlies because of World Cup involvement or injury, and the manager has stressed individual plans and stepwise reintegration to avoid setbacks.
- Arteta reiterated that Arsenal remain active in the transfer window as they finalise the squad, noting opportunities for both incomings and departures before the deadline.