Arsenal plot return dates for World Cup stars as one trains at former club

Arsenal are readying for the return of several of their World Cup stars - but face decisions on how best to manage Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

Several of the Gunners' players have been back as they're put through their paces, but the majority of their big-hitters were present at this summer's tournament. Those players are entitled to a minimum of three weeks off after their involvement for their countries.

England stalwart Rice has been managing neural pain in his hamstring for more than six months. He was also hampered by sickness during the World Cup and that meant he was hauled off at half-time during the quarter-final win over Norway.

Saka was held back for much of the tournament by Thomas Tuchel, who claimed he was still playing through the pain barrier following an Achilles injury. The winger himself claimed it was fit and healthy and wanted to play more, but Arsenal will now assess him and his colleague as they seek to get them primed for the season.

Kai Havertz is expected to return in the coming days, reports the Evening Standard, but the versatile forward has been training at his former club Bayer Leverkusen this week in preparation.

Piero Hincapie and Viktor Gyokeres have also had their three weeks of holiday after the World Cup and should return next week. Brazilian duo Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli are also due to be back at the start of next week.

Arsenal will play against Girona in Spain on August 1 and Arteta will have some of his World Cup players back, but the clash will come too soon for the likes of Martin Odegaard. Over the 11 days that follows that game they will face Real Betis, Borussia Dortmund and Como.

Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke were part of England's squad but were by no means regulars, meaning they will be fresher than some ahead of their return.

Norway were beaten by England was on July 11, meaning Odegaard will be available to train again in the week commencing August 3. Spain duo David Raya and Martin Zubimendi have been celebrating their country's triumph played very little football.

Mikel Merino proved himself to be a huge hit off the bench, scoring late winners against Portugal and Belgium, but his impact role meant his minutes were limited, which will aid him in pre-season.

Ethan Nwaneri, Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira were out on loan last term but are back with the champions, who also have teenage sensation Max Dowman are among the youngsters in the main squad. New back-up goalkeeper Illan Meslier has joined up after signing from Leeds.

Jurrien Timber, who was ruled out of the World Cup with injury, has been back in group training but is yet to make a full return. Arsenal's first competitive fixture of the summer is the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 16.