Arsenal are set to get their Premier League return preparations underway next week. The Gunners are expected to play four games as they look to build momentum ahead of their Boxing Day clash with West Ham United.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal will play Watford in a behind-closed-door friendly the week commencing November 28. football.london understands that an exact date is yet to be fully agreed upon between the clubs, and should it go ahead, the Gunners may be without some players that are not even at the World Cup.
Whilst the players who were given holiday time are expected back at the club this week, those who took part in international friendlies at senior or youth level, in the case of Fabio Vieira, could return slightly later if granted an extended break, having played. Arsenal will want to ensure players return well-rested and not rushed back.
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Martin Odegaard suffered a nasty kick to his ankle as his Norway team drew with Finland on the 20th. However, injury analyst Ben Dinnery provided a positive update on the situation.
"There's nothing at this point to suggest that it's anything too serious. The fact that it was more impact than a knock is a good sign," he told GiveMeSport.
"I haven't got any concerns at this point that his availability is in any way, shape or form under threat for when the Premier League fixtures resume."
If the game against Watford is to happen early on next week, the only available goalkeeper would be Karl Hein from the senior group. Aaron Ramsdale and Matt Turner are both in Qatar.
Gabriel Magalhaes, Rob Holding, Cedric Soares and Oleksandr Zinchenko are all available and could form the back four. Kieran Tierney played for Scotland on November 16 but could, therefore, also be available.
Albert Sambi Lokonga will be coming back in addition to Mohamed Elneny, who played for Egypt in a 2-1 win over Belgium prior to the World Cup's kick-off on November 18. He, like Tierney, could therefore be involved.
Vieira and Odegaard's last games leave a ten-day buffer that, if the friendly is played early next week, they might miss. Attacking-wise, Reiss Nelson, Marquinhos and Eddie Nketiah should also all be back.
Emile Smith Rowe is targeting a return to action against West Ham. Although this friendly might come too soon as his recovery from groin surgery continues if he does feature, it will be a massive boost for the Gunners.
A host of youth players are likely to see some minutes, however, with Premier League International Cup match against Sparta Prague taking place on Wednesday, many of the usual suspects will be called up by Mehmet Ali. It could therefore be a great chance for some even younger talent to get involved.
Predicted starting XI against Watford: Hein; Cedric, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney; Elneny, Zinchenko, Lokonga; Nelson, Marquinhos, Nketiah
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