A number of Arsenal players will be taking a close look at the draw for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The draw for the upcoming tournament takes place on Friday evening, with nations from all corners of the globe set to find out their fates.
Whilst qualifying has not quite concluded as of yet, enough nations have booked their tickets and will find out who they are set to tackle in the group stages. A number of Arsenal players will also be taking a deep interest in proceedings having helped their countries progress to the competition itself.
As a matter of fact, a vast amount of Mikel Arteta ’s current squad will hope to do enough between now and the winter to book their own places to Qatar. Some already have their places all but confirmed with their performances for both the Gunners and their respective national teams over the past year, whilst others have a little bit more work to do to be able to say they will be on the plane.
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On the England front, Arsenal could be set to have quite a contingent. Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka appear to be automatic picks for Gareth Southgate, whilst Emile Smile Rowe and Ben White have also recently broken into the Three Lions' set-up. Elsewhere, experienced campaigners Bernd Leno, Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey all seem highly likely to be playing at the tournament.
Takehiro Tomiyasu also appears to have comfort in his place at the World Cup having held a secure place in the Japan squad for some time.
Throughout the current Arsenal contingent, there are also a number of younger players who will no doubt be hoping to make an impact for their nations. Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli were both picked in the most recent Brazil squad and will hope to continue that with the five-time world champions. Midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga will also hope to be included in Belgium’s list.
An array of Arsenal’s loan contingent are also likely to be playing in Qatar, too. Lucas Torreira and Runar Alex Runarsson are more than likely set to appear for Uruguay and Iceland, whilst William Saliba will be hopeful of his chances having been handed his France debut during the most recent international break.
The Gunners’ World Cup party could be set to improve with some signings. One confirmed arrival that looks set to be at the tournament is Matt Turner, the American international set to arrive at the Emirates Stadium this summer. Any further deals for experienced international operators will only serve to bolster that number even further.
Take a look at the full list of players who are in contention for the tournament below:
Aaron Ramsdale, Bernd Leno, Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Cedric Soares, Thomas Partey, Granit Xhaka, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba, Lucas Torreira, Runar Alex Runarsson, Matt Turner
