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World Cup Could Deplete Arsenal Squad for Opener
20 Jun
Summary
- Arsenal faces potential player shortages for the new season opener.
- World Cup 2026 schedule may impact player readiness.
- Up to seven players could be unavailable if England and Spain reach the final.
Arsenal's quest to defend their Premier League title begins with a potential squad crisis for the opening fixture of the 2026/27 season, scheduled for August 22. The timing of World Cup 2026, which concludes just four weeks prior, poses a significant challenge.
Players participating in the World Cup final on July 19 may require substantial rest, impacting their readiness for the domestic campaign. This is compounded by Arsenal's demanding previous season, which included a Champions League final appearance.
Several key players could be absent. If England and Spain reach the final, as many as seven Arsenal players might be unavailable. This includes Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze for England, and David Raya, Mikel Merino, and Martin Zubimendi for Spain. Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli for Brazil, William Saliba for France, and Kai Havertz for Germany also represent potential absences.
