Arsenal welcomed several first-team players back to Sobha Realty Training Centre on Monday morning as preparations began for the 2026/27 campaign.
The club shared footage featuring Myles Lewis-Skelly, Riccardo Calafiori, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel Jesus, Reiss Nelson, Ben White and Jurrien Timber.
Most of the players involved did not feature at the World Cup, allowing them to begin pre-season before Arsenal’s returning internationals. Arsenal’s official account posted the footage as Mikel Arteta’s squad reported for their first session.
White and Timber return hands Arsenal fitness lift
The appearances of White and Timber provide Arteta with an encouraging defensive update.
White suffered medial knee ligament damage during Arsenal’s victory over West Ham United in May. The injury ruled him out of the Champions League final and England’s World Cup campaign.
Timber also missed the tournament while recovering from the groin problem he sustained against Everton in March.
ReadArsenal reported earlier on Monday that White was expected to return for pre-season training, while Timber could also take part in the summer programme. Their involvement suggests both defenders are ready to begin controlled work, although their workloads may still require careful management.
Jesus and Nelson also returned despite continued uncertainty surrounding their long-term futures at the Emirates Stadium.
Meanwhile, Lewis-Skelly, Calafiori and Mosquera can begin building their fitness before Arteta welcomes back the players involved during the latter stages of the World Cup.
Arsenal’s first summer friendly takes place against Girona on 1 August. They will then meet Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund and Como before facing Manchester City in the Community Shield.
The returning group will now work under Arteta as the manager begins assessing his available squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
