Arsenal head into Saturday's friendly against Girona with a fuller squad, but not a fully available one. Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Piero Hincapié and Viktor Gyökeres have all returned to the camp in Spain, giving Mikel Arteta more of the group together before the season proper begins.

Squad news from Spain

The clearest immediate update is that Arsenal played MK Dons in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Sobha Realty Training Centre and won 3-0. Reiss Nelson, Ethan Nwaneri and Ceadach O'Neil scored, while Christos Tzolis registered an assist on debut.

The return of the five players is the bigger picture. Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli are due to join up later this week ahead of the pre-season opener against Girona on Saturday, August 1 at Estadi Montilivi. Matt Verri of the Evening Standard reported: "Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli will both return to Arsenal training ahead of their first official pre-season match against Girona."

Fitness management remains part of the plan

Arsenal are still being careful with the rest of the squad. Matt Verri also reported: "Ben White and Jurrien Timber were both on the flight to Spain but Arsenal will continue to be cautious with their fitness."

White has already recovered from the knee injury that ended his 2025/26 season prematurely and trained at a mini-camp in Marbella and then at London Colney. Timber underwent minor surgery on a groin issue over the summer and is still completing his rehabilitation. Ben White and Timber travelling is useful, but it does not mean Arteta is rushing either player.

Arsenal finished first in the Premier League on 85 points, so this camp is starting from a high base. Kai Havertz's numbers at international level also underline why his return matters, with 3 goals in 4 World Cup appearances. For now, the practical picture is simple enough: more of the core is back, the Girona game is next, and Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Eberechi Eze are not due to return until August 10 after mandatory three weeks off.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →