The first Arsenal World Cup players will return to London Colney in the coming days as Mikel Arteta steps up preparations for the new season.
The Arsenal pre-season return dates leave several internationals with limited time before the opening friendly against Girona on 1 August.
Arteta has initially worked with players who did not feature at the tournament. Ethan Nwaneri, Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira have returned following loan spells, while summer signing Illan Meslier has joined his new teammates.
Ben White has trained fully after recovering from the knee problem that ended his 2025/26 campaign. Jurriën Timber has also rejoined the group, although he has not yet returned to full training following minor groin surgery.
Cristhian Mosquera could receive significant pre-season minutes as William Saliba begins a lengthy rehabilitation programme. The French defender decided against back surgery but could remain unavailable for several months.
Arsenal pre-season return dates before Girona friendly
The Standard reports that Kai Havertz should return within days after Germany exited the World Cup in the last 32. Piero Hincapié and Viktor Gyökeres are also expected back next week after completing their three-week holidays.
Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli should join them at the beginning of the week. However, Martin Ødegaard will not return until the week beginning 3 August after Norway reached the quarter-finals.
Arsenal’s players involved during the final World Cup weekend cannot return before 10 August. That group includes Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke.
Arteta must make separate fitness decisions over Rice and Saka due to their recent physical issues. Arsenal may give either player additional recovery time rather than immediately introducing them to full training.
The Gunners have already started their summer match programme with a 3-0 behind-closed-doors victory over MK Dons. Arsenal now travel to Spain before facing Girona in their first public friendly on Saturday.
The staggered Arsenal pre-season return dates give Arteta only a short period to prepare his strongest team for the Community Shield against Manchester City on 16 August.
