Arsenal Begins Pre-Season at London Colney Amid Injuries and Squad Turnover

Thirty-three days before the 2026/27 Premier League opener against Coventry City, Mikel Arteta’s first-team arrived at the London Colney training complex to start pre-season. After an optional fitness camp in Marbella, the squad is now undertaking testing, conditioning and double sessions. The group is smaller than usual: fifteen Gunners participated in the World Cup, Leandro Trossard has already left for Besiktas, and several academy players have joined the camp. New faces in the medical and performance departments are also present following a summer reshuffle.

London Colney welcomes senior players for start of pre-season

Two right-backs who missed international duty due to injury gave progress reports. Ben White said his knee problem from the May win over West Ham is resolved, while Jurrien Timber described a gradual return from a groin issue that has lingered since February. Centre-back William Saliba remains sidelined with a back injury that may require surgery, potentially keeping him out until Christmas. Other players, including David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martín Zubimendi, have only just completed their international commitments.

London Colney welcomes senior players for start of pre-season

Arsenal’s pre-season itinerary begins with a trip to Girona on 1 August, followed by friendlies against Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund and Como, and culminates with the Community Shield versus Manchester City on 16 August. Over the next weeks, the squad is expected to be reinforced by Piero Hincapié, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Martínelli and Gabriel Magalhães. Greece international Christos Tzolis is slated to undergo his medical and could train with the team as early as the following Wednesday.

London Colney welcomes senior players for start of pre-seasonArsenal players return for pre-season - full plans, behind-closed-doors friendly and new signing

Arteta has emphasized the compressed nature of the summer and the need to get the squad “up to speed” quickly. White’s reassurance about his knee and Timber’s cautious optimism about his groin recovery were highlighted as positive signs for the defensive line.

London Colney welcomes senior players for start of pre-season

• “I’m getting there slowly,” — Jurrien Timber

London Colney welcomes senior players for start of pre-season

• “I’m trying hard, been rehabbing over the summer, hopefully back soon.” — Jurrien Timber

London Colney welcomes senior players for start of pre-season