Arsenal are keeping a close eye on the European Championships and with the conclusion of the last-16 it means that many nations have now concluded their participation in the competition. There are several Gunners continuing onward with England, France, Germany and Spain however who will see their time away extended.
In just under three weeks time, the Arsenal team will fly to the United States as their pre-season tour gets underway. Before that many players will also return to train at the Sobha Realty Training Centre as planned.
Some are already away in Marbella on an early training camp with Mikel Arteta. Martin Odegaard is expected to join a group that includes Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, Eddie Nketiah, Fabio Vieira, Jurrien Timber and Ben White.
Some players who may now make it back in time for the tour’s start include those knocked out in the latest round of the Euros. France’s 1-0 win over Belgium saw William Saliba progress to the quarter-finals whereas Leandro Trossard will instead begin his delayed summer break.
Meanwhile, Granit Xhaka’s Switzerland caused the upset of the tournament so far when they defeated holders Italy. This sent Jorginho packing and he too will now begin a break of his own.
The timing of their eliminations means that both should be back in time to fly to the States. Arsenal announced a third friendly across the pond which will take place just three days after landing Stateside when they play Premier League rivals Bournemouth at LA Galaxy’s ground in Los Angeles.
Arteta will certainly see the positive in getting his players back as soon as he can. Being able to get as much time with them as possible before the new season starts in mid-August following their five-match pre-season schedule.
Meanwhile, the likes of Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, David Raya and the aforementioned Saliba continue onward in the Euros. Both Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Magalhaes are also still with Brazil at the Copa America meaning seven players could yet miss the start of the tour although Jakub Kiwior is another who will be back in time after Poland were eliminated in the Euro group stages.
