Nine Arsenal stars set for extra training as key duo near returns

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Arsenal will have nine senior players remaining at the training ground during the international break, with several stars working on their recoveries from various issues.

The fortnight comes at an ideal time for the Gunners following their League Cup final disappointment, with five players having withdrawn from international duty due to fitness concerns.

According to Football London, Mikel Merino has made encouraging progress in his recovery from a foot procedure. The Spanish midfielder was spotted at Wembley Stadium on just one crutch and wearing a protective boot, a positive development considering he was initially expected to avoid putting weight on the foot for around eight weeks.

Eberechi Eze missed the final entirely and will not join up with England, instead undergoing a scan at the end of this week. The winger is unlikely to participate in outdoor training sessions in the immediate future.

Defensive concerns ease

Gabriel, William Saliba and Leandro Trossard have all pulled out of their respective international squads with minor issues. The club remains hopeful that this trio will recover in time to rejoin full training ahead of the domestic restart.

More encouragingly for Arsenal, both Jurrien Timber and Martin Odegaard are close to making their returns. The pair were pushing to feature in the cup final and are now targeting the Southampton fixture as their comeback match.

Training camp benefits

Kepa Arrizabalaga and Gabriel Jesus round out the nine-man group, having not suffered any fitness issues but remaining uncalled by Spain and Brazil respectively. With this being the final international break of the season, neither goalkeeper nor striker appears likely to force their way into their national squads.

Each player will follow different training regimes tailored to their specific situations. Some will be restricted from outdoor work as they continue recovering from more serious problems, while others will focus on building match fitness.

The extended break provides Mikel Arteta’s medical team with valuable time to address multiple fitness concerns simultaneously. The focus will be on rest, recovery and ensuring players are ready for the crucial run-in period that follows.

Arsenal’s injury list has been a persistent challenge this season, making this concentrated period of rehabilitation particularly valuable. The club will hope to have a stronger squad available when domestic action resumes with the Southampton encounter.