The majority of Arsenal’s squad are reportedly due back for pre-season training on Monday, 20 July.
Ryan Taylor reports that Mikel Arteta’s players will return to London Colney less than two weeks before their opening friendly against Girona.
However, some players and coaching staff could begin work earlier.
An optional training camp in Marbella is planned for next week, giving available players the chance to improve their fitness before the official start of pre-season.
The camp is not expected to involve the full squad. Arsenal still have eight players at the World Cup, while those eliminated from the tournament will need different recovery periods.
Arteta faces staggered Arsenal return
The World Cup final takes place on Sunday, 19 July, just one day before most of the squad are scheduled to report back.
Players involved in the latter stages will therefore receive additional rest rather than immediately joining full training.
The reported Marbella camp should allow Arteta to begin working with players who have had longer summer breaks.
Arsenal’s Under-21 squad have already returned to training, which could give academy players an early opportunity with the senior group.
ReadArsenal has previously examined how the compressed pre-season schedule leaves Arteta with a difficult workload balance.
The Gunners are due to face Girona on 1 August before meeting Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund and Como.
Arteta will have little time to bring the whole group together before the competitive campaign begins. The optional Marbella work offers an early solution for part of the squad.
