England might be out of the World Cup but as one door closes another opens and Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale can refocus on the Premier League title charge they began back in August. Much has been said about the potential response after the winter tournament but now only one Gunners player remains in Qatar - William Saliba.
France play Morocco in the semi-finals and are big favourites to make successive World Cup finals and play either Argentina or Croatia. Arsenal, however will have their focus on friendlies against two Serie A sides in AC Milan and Juventus.
The match in Dubai with the Italian champions may come too soon for some but many who were not present for the 3-0 win over Lyon could now feature. football.london understands that Granit Xhaka, Gabriel Martinelli and Takehiro Tomiyasu are set to return to training this week.
READ MORE: Gabriel Jesus injury leaves Arsenal with £90m-plus January transfer window reality amid title talk
Meanwhile, Arsenal confirmed that Ben White, Thomas Partey and Matt Turner have all joined up with the squad in Dubai to begin work. With more than two weeks until the clash with West Ham United, there’s a great chance Mikel Arteta might have a near fully available group.
Oleksandr Zinchenko missed the game against Lyon but football.london understands that the club are confident he will be fit for Boxing Day. It is believed the reason for his absence is not the same as the calf problem which cost him so much of the season.
The notable absence is, of course, Gabriel Jesus. The Brazilian suffered a knee injury against Cameroon and had to return to London to undergo surgery.
football.london understands it is too soon for an accurate timescale to be placed on the player’s return. The January transfer window is closing in, and a midfielder and wide player remain on the agenda for sporting director Edu, although it is unlikely Jesus’ injury will have caused a direction change for the market approach.
Lastly, Bukayo Saka’s elimination with England earlier than perhaps some expected, his break afforded after participation with the Three Lions should see him return in time to reintegrate ahead of the Premier League restart. Arteta started Eddie Nketiah against Lyon who scored, and the Spaniard is likely to partner him with Saka and Martinelli for the post-Christmas matches.
Predicted Arsenal XI vs West Ham: Ramsdale; Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Martinelli, Nketiah
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