Arsenal given Leno boost ahead of Community Shield clash with Liverpool

Arsenal were given a huge boost ahead of their Community Shield match against Liverpool at Wembley on Saturday 29 August.

The Gunner’s medical team revealed that goalkeeper Bernd Leno has returned to training and is available for selection for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Leno returns

Leno sustained a moderate ligament sprain during the trip to Brighton on 20 June and could make his return in the traditional English season curtain-raiser.

Arsenal beat MK Dons 4-1 in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Tuesday which saw Leno start. He was beaten just once and then by teammate Rob Holding in comical style.

Arsenal absences

Arsenal will be without centre back Shkodran Mustafi for the clash with Liverpool. The Defender underwent a “successful small procedure” shortly after doing his right hamstring in the FA Cup final win over Chelsea.

The club say Mustafi has made positive progress and is now off crutches with good mobility.

Mustafi returned from a short family break recently and is now working with Arsenal’s rehab team at their London Colney facility.

Arsenal’s Martinelli at home in Brazil

Winger Gabriel Martinelli is still sidelined with a knee injury and is currently in Brazil visiting family and following a tailored daily rehab and fitness programme, according to Arsenal’s medical team.

Arsenal say that on Martinelli’s return, he will step up his rehab with the aim of a return to full training by the end of the year.

Long-term absentee Calum Chambers continues to progress towards an Arsenal return having not featured for the Gunners since December 2019. 

Chambers ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament of his left knee during the Premier League match against Chelsea at the Emirates on 29 December.

Who would be an Arsenal defender?

Arsenal have suffered a terrible run of luck with injuries to defenders but Pablo Marí is nearing a return and could feature as early as September.

Gunners fans will be looking forward to seeing new signings Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Willian in action against Liverpool.

Gabriel’s arrival heralds a new era of defence

Brazilian defender Gabriel arrives as much needed cover in a position depleted by injuries but it was Saliba who started at the back against MK Dons.

Arsenal may field a dynamic front four featuring Willian, Nicholas Pepe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette.

Rumours have been circulating that Lacazette could be on his way out with Juventus among those interested in the Frenchman’s signature but there have been no offers tabled for the Arsenal star, yet.