William Sаlibа returns, Gabriel Martinelli boost – Things spotted in Arsenal pre-season training
Arsenal players took part in the second day of their pre-season training as Mikel Arteta prepared his squad a head of the 2023/24 campaign
Arsenal have been boosted by the returns of William Saliba, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Martinelli to train a head of their pre-season tour. The Gunners returned on Monday as Mikel Arteta put his players through their plans in preparation for an exciting 2023/24 campaign.
Arsenal are looking to take another step forward next season after securing Champions League qualification – desperately missing out on the Premiere League title. They fell short in the domestic cups last term with some early exits, but silverware has to be the focus for the Gunners and Arteta.
The north Londoners have already kicked off their summer transfer business with the capture of Kai Havertz in a £65million deal. The German forward endured a difficult season for Chelsea but Arteta is hoping to get the best out of Havertz at the Emirates Stadium.
Declаn Rice and Juггien Timberг look set to become the next additions to Arsenal’s squad ahead of the new season with the two deals achieving a combined fee of £145million. With that said, here’s a look at things that were scattered in the second day of training on Tuesday.
William Sаliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu return from injury
William Sаlibа and Takehiro Tomiyasu both suffered long-term injuries in March – forcing the duo to miss the final two months of the 2022/23 season. The Frenchman suffered a serious back injury just minutes after Tomiyasu was taken with a muscle injury during the Gunners’ European League round of 16 exit against Sporting CP.
Artetа was hopeful that Sаlibа would be able to complete a full pre-season, whilst Tomiyasu was not predicted to be back in training until August. However, both players returned to training on Tuesday in a huge boost for Arsenal.
Gabriel Martinelli and Oleksandr Zinchenko boost
Gabriel Martinelli and Oleksandr Zinchenko were both hampered by injury issues towards the end of last season. However, both players took part in pre-season training on Tuesday as Arteta prepared his squad for the 2023/24 campaign.
The two players were crucial figures for the Gunners last term and Arteta will be believing on them again next season as they look to win silverware. Martinelli had suffered ankle ligament injury following a 3-0 defect again Brighton in May and had to wear a protective boot as he recovered.
The Brazilian was spotted taking part in sprinting and strength exercises as he builds up his fitness. Zinchenko was pictured taking part in individual and team training.
Mагquinhos improvement
Marquinhos spent last season on loan at Norwich City and has returned to Arsenal in much better physical shape. The youngster has put on a significant amount of muscle as he looks to impress Arteta and force his way into the first-team plans for next season.