Arsenal have received a major fitness boost ahead of their Community Shield clash with Manchester City after manager Mikel Arteta confirmed that Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Martin Zubimendi are available for selection.
The three players recently returned to training following extended breaks after the 2026 World Cup. Their availability gives Arsenal a significant boost as the Premier League champions prepare to begin the new campaign against FA Cup winners Manchester City.
Arteta said Rice, Saka and Zubimendi trained with the squad and could be involved if they remained in the expected physical condition. Rice and Saka had also been managing fitness concerns before the break, making their return particularly encouraging for Arsenal supporters.
The Arsenal manager also has positive news regarding captain Martin Ødegaard, who is expected to be ready as the club looks to make a strong start to the 2026/27 season. However, not all of Arsenal’s key players are available.
Defender Jurrien Timber is still recovering from a groin injury and will need more time before returning to full training. William Saliba also remains sidelined with a back injury sustained during the World Cup and is expected to face a longer spell out.
The return of Rice, Saka and Zubimendi is especially important because the trio could play major roles in Arsenal’s attempt to defend the Premier League title. Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the league trophy last season, and Arteta has said his players remain hungry to continue winning.
Sunday’s Community Shield will provide Arsenal with their first opportunity to win silverware this season. The match against Manchester City will also be an early test of the Gunners’ readiness ahead of the Premier League campaign.
Arteta will be hoping the returning players can quickly regain match sharpness and help Arsenal overcome one of their biggest rivals. With injuries still affecting Timber and Saliba, the availability of other key members of the squad has become even more important.
Arsenal supporters will now wait to see whether Rice, Saka and Zubimendi are included in the starting line-up or used from the bench. Either way, their return gives Arteta more options as the club targets another successful season.
