Squad fitness ahead of Community Shield
Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the fitness of his squad as Arsenal prepares to face Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday. The match will take place at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. Arteta expressed satisfaction with the overall condition of his players, noting that many returned from international duty earlier than anticipated and in good shape.
Speaking from the Sobha Realty Training Centre, Arteta highlighted the positive atmosphere within the squad. He mentioned that the players’ excitement is palpable as they assess the team’s current build and composition. This sentiment comes despite a short turnaround for several players following the World Cup final.
Availability of key players
Three players who had not featured in pre-season fixtures since returning from international duty – Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi – are now expected to be available for the Community Shield match. Arteta confirmed that all three trained with the squad and, if their condition meets expectations, they will be involved in Sunday’s game. He also indicated that there were no significant fitness concerns that would restrict their minutes early in the season, as both Saka and Rice followed individual programmes during their time with the national team and during their rest period.
Arteta praised the progress of Saka and Rice, stating that what he observed over the last few days was positive. He noted their efforts to address any issues and their subsequent improvement. This news provides a boost for Arsenal as they aim to secure the first trophy of the season.
Injury updates on defensive duo
While Saka, Rice, and Zubimendi are nearing a return, defensive players Jurrien Timber and William Saliba will not be available for Sunday’s match. Both players sustained injuries over the summer and are currently working on their recovery. Arteta provided an update on their progress, stating that Timber is progressing well and is back on the pitch, with his workload gradually increasing.
Arteta described Timber’s trajectory as good, though he noted that the player still has a few weeks before a full return. He also mentioned that Saliba’s injury is considered a longer-term issue. While no specific return dates were provided for either player, Arteta hinted that Timber might begin training with the main group in the coming week or so, depending on his continued progress. The club is taking a cautious approach with Saliba due to the long-term nature of his injury, ensuring each step in his recovery is carefully managed.
Community Shield significance
The Community Shield fixture marks the traditional curtain-raiser for the domestic season, with Arsenal participating as the reigning Premier League champions. Manchester City enters the match as the FA Cup champions. This encounter will also be the first competitive match for Enzo Maresca as Manchester City’s new manager, taking over from Pep Guardiola. Maresca has expressed his intention to close the gap on Arsenal this season, following their seven-point difference in the previous Premier League campaign.
Arteta acknowledged Maresca’s capabilities, stating that he is “just as good” as Guardiola. Both managers view the Community Shield as a significant trophy, not merely a friendly. Maresca emphasised his desire for his team to compete, win games, and secure titles, highlighting the importance of high spirit and the right mentality. Arsenal’s manager also conveyed the hunger within his squad to lift the first trophy of the season, aiming for their best performance on Sunday to set a positive tone for the upcoming campaign.
Historically, Arsenal has a strong record against Manchester City in the Community Shield, having won all three previous encounters between the two clubs in this competition. The match on Sunday in Cardiff is anticipated to be an early indicator of the rivalry between Arteta and Maresca, preceding the start of the Premier League season, which Arsenal will open against Coventry five days later.
Source: arsenal.com