Arsenal is considering giving Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and William Saliba an extended rest period after the 2026 World Cup, with the trio possibly unavailable until the first international break of the new season.

Two of the three reached the World Cup quarter-finals and one reached the semi-finals, with Saliba representing France, who beat Morocco, while Saka and Rice play for England. Depending on how far their teams go, their participation in the tournament could last until the final on July 19, and according to reports, Arsenal is aware that the players will need time to recover, and the club is considering starting the season without them.

If this plan is implemented, Mikel Arteta may miss three of his key players in the Community Shield match against Manchester City, and in the opening Premier League matches against Coventry, Aston Villa, Chelsea, Sunderland, and Brighton.

Other Arsenal players are also still participating in the World Cup, including David Raya, Mikel Merino, and Martin Zubimendi with Spain, Martin Ødegaard with Norway, and Leandro Trossard with Belgium, and the club may also look to sign a centre-back, a midfielder, and a winger to provide cover during the first weeks of the season.

Advertisement

Advertisement