Arsenal trio Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Martin Zubimendi available for Community Shield

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Martin Zubimendi are available for this afternoon’s Community Shield against Manchester City after returning to training following extended breaks after the World Cup.

The trio has joined up with the squad and could be involved despite missing Arsenal’s pre-season programme.

“They will be available; they trained with us today. They will train tomorrow, and if they’re in the condition we expect them to be in, they will be involved,” Arteta told reporters.

Saka played through an Achilles problem towards the end of last season, while Rice disclosed during the World Cup that he had been suffering from hamstring-related neural pain since December. He subsequently also sustained a knee problem.

Arteta believes the rest given to both players has put them in a stronger position before the start of the new campaign. He also said Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard was well placed to rediscover his consistency following a season affected by injuries.

“With him [Odegaard] and Bukayo as well, I see something else. Obviously they had some issues last year and they couldn’t have the consistency levels that they know they can bring to the team,” the 44-year-old manager said.

“So there’s a big margin and a big gap there that I think the team is going to benefit from because I can see the desire in them.”

Ødegaard made only 16 Premier League starts last season after a series of recurring knee, muscle and shoulder injuries disrupted his campaign.

The Arsenal captain’s return to regular fitness would provide a significant boost to Arteta’s side, while Saka and Rice are also expected to play important roles as the Gunners begin their latest campaign.

Arteta also gave an update on defender Jurrien Timber, who is recovering from a groin injury that ruled him out of the World Cup. The Dutchman has returned to work on the pitch but remains several weeks away from a comeback.

“Jurrien is progressing really well, he is on the pitch,” Arteta said.

“We’re ramping up now with certain actions and especially the volume and the load, and I think he’s on a good trajectory, but there are still a few weeks to go. He needs to start training with the group in the next week or so, hopefully, and then see how he progresses from there.”

Centre-back William Saliba remains unavailable because of a back injury sustained during the World Cup.

Arsenal’s first Premier League fixture of the season will be against Coventry City on Friday, 21 August, with the Community Shield offering Arteta an early opportunity to assess the condition of his returning players against Manchester City.