Morning all.
One more round of World Cup qualifying fixtures tonight and that’s international football 2025 over and done with. Spain, Denmark and Belgium feature tonight meaning Leandro Trossard, Christian Norgaard, David Raya, Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi are likely to be in action.
Ecuador have a friendly fixture in the early hours of tomorrow morning UK time which could mean playing time for Piero Hincapie.
Teams already through to 2026 World Cup:
Hosts: Canada, Mexico, United States.
Africa: Algeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia.
Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Uzbekistan.
Europe: Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal.
Oceania: New Zealand
South America: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay.
The World Cup runs from 11 Jun 2026 – 19 Jul 2026. Just what the players need after a long and exhausting ten month domestic season! But, we have to accept that whilst we fans hold concerns over players fitness/exhaustion, they want to be there because I’m pretty sure every footballers dream is to represent their country at a World Cup.
Arsenal are likely to have as many as 17 players at the World Cup, most of whom represent countries who are likely to go deep into the competition. Perhaps next seasons domestic campaign will kick off later than usual to allow more time for rest and recovery. I doubt it…
Anyway, at least now, or at least from this weekend onwards, Mikel Arteta and his players can concentrate on domestic football.
Whilst results have been very good in the absence of our injured players, their return to full fitness cannot come soon enough. Not because of any other reason than giving Arteta more/different options. The day Martin Odegaard suffered his injury was the first time we got a glimpse of both him and Ebe Eze in the starting lineup. Sadly, 30 minutes later, Odegaard suffered a knee injury which has kept him out ever since. Whether we see the two start together against remains to be seen but I wouldn’t bet against it. Different lineups, different tactics, different set-piece routines, it’s what many of us were hoping to see this season. Frustratingly though, injuries have once more reduced Arteta’s options.
Arsenal currently sit top of the league table with four points between Man City in second spot but whilst City are being lauded for their strong performances, especially after the way they dominated Liverpool, I don’t think it’s far fetched to suggest that Arsenal’s attacking unit is yet to really click. Eze, Viktor Gyokeres and even Noni Madueke are yet to 100% find their feet in this team. That’s not me knocking any of them by the way, I just think their best is yet to come.
Not wanting to jump too far ahead because focusing on the here and now is what matters most but perhaps instead of City or other clubs having a strong run after Christmas, it’ll be our turn. Post Christmas has in previous seasons seen us drop points at home against teams we really should have done better against. It’s cost us one, if not two opportunities of lifting the Premier League trophy in May. Hopefully this time it will be different.
For now though, it’s about Sunday and hopefully seeing a few of our walking wounded return.
Catch up in the comments.
Afternoon Gooners, thanks for the post Rico, yeah how ironic seeing Ballard getting sent off, of course the Sunderland fans are pleased because he’ll be fresher and available for them!
The media, who lauded Ballard and Sunderland a couple of weeks ago for their ‘in your face’ approach were fairly silent on his dismissal. But what else would you expect from hypocrites?
Let’s hope Rico that those international managers show some restraint and common sense with our players this evening as we really don’t need any more bad injury news stories concerning us…
Luton Town are now 3 points outside of the play-off places.
Afternoon Kev, hoping for a clean bill of health after tonight’s matches.
Quite a turnaround for Jack, I’m pleased for him.
Afternoon rico, Kev, all. Thanks for keeping posts going through this further boring break, can’t be easy!
Interesting whether Califiori stays at left back or switches into the centre, allowing MLS or Hincapie to play LB. At least we have choices, the great summer recruitment showing its value as we knew we ALWAYS get injuries like this.
Afternoon Andrew, it’s been one of the worst I reckon. Seems to be going on for ages.
Agree re the squad, boy did we need it..
I wonder if Timber could move over to left centre back and Ben White step in at Right Back. Mind you as Rico previously said it wouldn’t be surprising if Gabriel plays after all. We’ve got good options if needed.
Looking at the League One table at least two of the teams below Luton would go above them if they win their games in hand.
Momentum seems to be with them though,hopefully they can keep their good run going.
I’m not sure Timber needs to move positions now we have both Hincapie and Mosquera Limey, especially when we up against the neighbours.