Arsenal have received a boost ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield against Manchester City, with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi available for selection.
Mikel Arteta confirmed the trio trained with the squad on Friday and are expected to be involved if they continue to meet the club’s fitness expectations.
“They will be available; they trained with us today, they will train tomorrow, and if they are in the condition that we expect them to be, they will be involved,” Arteta said in his pre-match press conference.
Arsenal team news: Saka, Rice and Zubimendi available for Man City clash
There was less encouraging news regarding Jurrien Timber, who continues to work his way back from a long-term injury.
Arteta said the Netherlands international is now back on the pitch and increasing the intensity and volume of his training, but remains several weeks away from a return.
“Jurrien is progressing really well, he is on the pitch. We are ramping up now with certain actions and especially the volume and the load,” Arteta said.
The Arsenal boss was unable to give a definitive timeframe for Timber’s return, including whether he could be fit before the next international break.
“He needs to start to train with the group in the next week or so, hopefully, and then see how he progresses from there,” Arteta added.
William Saliba remains a longer-term absentee and will miss the Community Shield as he continues his recovery.
Arsenal face Manchester City at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday, with Arteta’s side looking to begin the new campaign with silverware.