Arsenal first team returns for training!
Arsenal first team players have today returned to Arsenal’s London Colony for Pre-Season training, with preparations for the upcoming season already underway. Although today was officially the first day ‘back at work’ for the first team, there were obviously a whole host of authorised absentees, including most of the club’s main players. Even though Arsene Wenger had been on Euro 2016 pundit duty with France, Le Prof has now returned to England to fulfil his duties as manager, showing no need to take a break away from the game.
For those players who did play for their respective nations this summer at Euro 2016, but have since been knocked out of the competition, they have been granted an extended holiday period by Wenger, to ensure they have a well earned rest away from the pitch. This list includes the likes of Petr Cech and Hector Bellerin, whilst England’s Jack Wilshere has also been given an extended break, despite not having more than a few months back into full fitness. Arsenal and Poland international Wojciech Szczesny has also been an granted holiday, although it is expected the Polish shot stopper will soon extend his loan duration with AS ROMA, for the coming season.
Notable absentees that remain at the Euro’s with France, Germany and Wales, are Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud, Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey, all of which are preparing for semi final ties in the competition.
For those first teamers at the training ground today, it is anticipated they had a relatively easy return to the pitch. The likes of Nacho Monreal, Calum Chambers, Per Mertesacker and Theo Walcott were all on show, whilst young Gunners Akpom, Sanogo and Reine-Adelaide also featured in training exercises.
It is anticipated that the rest of those who were on Euro duty will link up with the squad before the Gunners opening pre-season game later this month, whilst the remaining Gunners on international duty will have their holiday extended to the final week before the Premier League starts in August.
On a final note regarding Alexis Sanchez, who featured with Chile at the Copa America this summer, will not return to training until his ankle injury has completely healed, in fear of causing re-occurring damage to the Arsenal star.
AH