Arsenal returned to action this afternoon for the first time in three weeks with their Dubai Super Cup opener against French side Olympique Lyonnais. The Gunners were without all their World Cup stars for the fixture at the Al Maktoum Stadium but there was a prime opportunity for a number of members of Mikel Arteta's squad.
With no Granit Xhaka, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus to call upon, the friendly against Laurent Blanc's side provided squad players with an opportunity to impress. But for two specific individuals, it was a chance to earn their place in the starting XI against West Ham United on Boxing Day.
Earlier this week, it was confirmed that Jesus had undergone surgery to treat the knee injury he picked up at the World Cup. There remains no timeframe on the 25-year-old's return meaning the Gunners must seek an alternative for the return of their Premier League title battle with Manchester City.
