A handful of Arsenal stars have returned to Mikel Arteta’s squad in time for their final pre-season clash with Bayer Leverkusen after impressing on the international stage at Euro 2024.
Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, William Saliba and Aaron Ramsdale have all returned to training after competing in Germany and have joined up with the rest of their squad upon their arrival back to the United Kingdom.
The remainder of the Gunners have spent their summer on pre-season tour over in the United States, facing Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool. Their final clash, with the Reds, resulted in a 2-1 loss as Mohamed Salah and Fabio Carvalho put Arne Slot’s side ahead, before Kai Havertz delivered one back.
Now, the club have confirmed the return of the European stars – who have enjoyed their first training session with the rest of the squad ahead of their final pre-season fixture. England stars Saka, Rice and Ramsdale arrive home after reaching the nation’s second successive Euro final, just missing out on a chance to lift silverware after being beaten 2-1 by Spain.
Saliba reached the semi-finals of the tournament with France, before also facing a 2-1 defeat to Spain.
Spanish shot-stopper David Raya has already made his return, after being crowned European champion, but has not yet featured for the Gunners in pre-season. 22-year-old Karl Hein has been handed the opportunity to play between the sticks, after boasting just one senior Arsenal appearance so far in his career.
Arsenal will host Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday in their final pre-season friendly. They will then kick off their Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers on 17 August.
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