MIKEL ARTETA has encountered several disappointments while watching his Arsenal players compete in the World Cup.
It seemed fitting that the tournament concluded with Mikel Merino sporting a painful bruise beneath his eye.
Credit: Getty
Credit: Getty
Arsenal players returned to the US worn out, many appearing like the walking wounded.
Declan Rice is a prime example, as his grueling season has finally drawn to a close.
The midfielder clocked an impressive 5,482 minutes over 69 matches for both club and country.
If anyone deserves a break, it’s Rice—though he’s not alone.
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Bukayo Saka has been dealing with an Achilles issue for several months, and William Saliba’s back injury may require surgery after worsening during France’s semi-final defeat.
Even the World Cup final would have likely made Arteta cringe, had he not been hiding behind the sofa.
Merino took a hard hit from Lionel Messi straight to the face and later shared a photo from the Spain locker room to display the aftermath.
The fact that he was icing his eye with a beer bottle indicates he should recover well — a comforting sign for Arsenal’s medical staff.
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It is now up to the club to manage the return of their World Cup players, who are entitled to a minimum of three weeks off.
Arsenal had 15 players participating in the tournament — including newly transferred Leandro Trossard — with eight making it to the final weekend.
In total, those from Arteta’s squad accumulated 4,224 minutes on the field during their time in North America.
Only players from Manchester City (5,925 minutes) accrued more minutes among Premier League teams.
This situation poses a challenge for Arteta, especially after a season where Arsenal contested 63 matches, culminating on May 30, just two days before players departed for the World Cup.
Now, they come back with the sobering awareness that the Premier League will resume in just 30 days.
As defending champions, Arsenal enters the upcoming season under increased scrutiny regarding the fitness of key players like Rice, Saka, and Saliba.
The club expected many of its stars to progress deep into the World Cup, leading to an adjustment in their pre-season plans.
A mini training camp was held in Marbella last week, with the official start set for Monday to accommodate the delayed conclusion of last season.
They opted for a more temperate approach rather than an extensive global tour, scheduling a training camp in Spain. Their first pre-season friendly is arranged in Girona on August 1, followed by a match against Real Betis in Dublin four days later before returning to London.
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Two friendlies at the Emirates will conclude their preparations before they face Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 16 in Cardiff.
Arsenal is hopeful this season will see improvements in injury statistics following alterations in the medical team.
Club doctor Zafar Iqbal and head of sports science and performance Tom Allen have both left their positions.
Sam Wilson, the lead physical performance coach, has also transitioned to a role with Italian club Parma.
Three new hires have filled these roles, including Arnaldo Abrantes from Aston Villa who joins as club doctor.
Eneko Angulo is coming from Real Betis as a rehabilitation specialist.
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Additionally, Bayer Leverkusen’s fitness coach Jose Jimenez has joined the staff.
This trio aims to address Arsenal’s injury issues, starting with getting Ben White and Jurrien Timber back to full health.
This would alleviate concerns about players returning late and instead create opportunities for younger talents.
Max Dowman, 16, could capitalize on this on the right side, especially as both Noni Madueke and Saka currently represent the England squad.
In midfield, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly might also see playing time, as Martin Zubimendi, Merino, and Rice were at the World Cup until the very end.
Nwaneri’s future seems uncertain, yet the end of last season showcased how quickly circumstances can evolve.
Initially on the brink of leaving, the 19-year-old ended up starting in the Champions League final.
His ongoing performance would relieve Arteta’s concerns at a time when obstacles seem to be mounting.
