Arsenal held their maiden first-team training session of pre-season today, with several senior players in attendance.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played a full part after recovering from injury, whilst Mathieu Debuchy, Per Mertesacker, Gabriel, Nacho Monreal, Mohamed Elneny, Theo Walcott, Alex Iwobi, Francis Coquelin, Yaya Sanogo, Kieran Gibbs, Calum Chambers, Serge Gnabry and Chuba Akpom were all involved.
In addition some talented youngsters also participated, with Krystian Bielik being selected to train with the first-team, along with Marcus McGuane and Reiss Nelson.
Jeff Reine-Adelaide, meanwhile, trained wearing number 20, suggesting that he has been promoted to the first-team squad.
Carl Jenkinson and Danny Welbeck are absent with long-term injuries.
Petr Cech, Hector Bellerin, Laurent Koscielny, Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil, Wojciech Szczesny, Aaron Ramsey, David Ospina, Joel Campbell, Alexis Sanchez, Olivier Giroud and Granit Xhaka weren’t present as a consequence of their participation in international tournaments this summer. New signing Takuma Asano is with the Japan U23 squad preparing for the Olympic Games.
Coquelin??
I can’t help wondering what wenger sees in reine-adelaide, that he doesn’t see in Toral or Wellington?
What others see in Hayden that Wenger doesnt?
Loaning Jon Toral to a Spanish club is a strange one, especially after the season he’s just had at Birmingham…
Do you have any inside track on why this is Jeorge?
He’s had a great season and needs to push on. He’s not going to get that on & off our bench this season, but he probably will at Granada. Excluding cups, he should get games against Barca, Real, and Althletico which gives us a chance to see how consistant and good he can be without risking our points in his development. Good luck Jon.
Cazorla?
what a horrible lead. maiden first? keep it simple next time pls. Arsenal held their first pre-season training bla bla.
“Maiden first-team” – would have been horrible if it read “first first-team”, incorrect if it read “first pre-season training”
where is Santi Cazorla?
Zelalem was there too, wearing number 96😀 If Isaac wasn’t, it sure means he’s going on loan too. I would have thought that Jon and Isaac would have been given chance in preseason.
No Santi. How is he?
Surprised with toral’s (apparent) Granada loan too. Out of all the midfielder was hoping he could provide cover for Ozil as it certainly seems his best position. Can only assume wenger’s decision on promotion predominantly based on training. Still disappointed though.
Have a good feeling about mcguane for some odd reason. Hope he can become the next iwobi though his position is pretty congested esp keeping in mind nwakali’s arrival.
Speaking of which any idea as to the extent nwakali will feature? Intrigued as to Akpom’s role too. If bellerin and to a lesser extent Gibbs (Kane and Afobe for that matter too) prove anything it’s that loan deals may make your career but certainly shouldn’t break them.
Looks like we’re signing another keeper. 20 year old Dutch keeper Guy Smit is starting 2 week trial.
Seriously, what’s the deal with Wellington Silva?