Arsenal v Juventus: Arteta set to call on Xhaka, Martinelli and Tomiyasu

By Lee Connor

Arsenal will play Juventus in a friendly tomorrow as the Gunners round off their preparations for the return of Premier League football.

Mikel Arteta will be hoping for another good exercise for his players. There’ll be an element of him wanting to step things up as well, with Juve the perfect opposition to test against.

Of course, another boost for Arsenal and Arteta is the return of players from the World Cup. Only William Saliba remains in Qatar with France, meaning Arsenal could be at full strength when the PL does resume. And according to Football London, Arsenal v Juventus will see the return of three key first-teamers.

FL reports how all three of Gabriel Martinell, Granit Xhaka, and Takehiro Tomiyasu should play some part in the game with Juventus. It means that all three will get vital minutes in the tank and be ready for the PL restart.

All three played different roles in the World Cup. Martinelli barely featured for Brazil, but Xhaka and Tomiyasu were regulars for Switzerland and Japan.

Other stars, such as Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka might also be involved. However, there are doubts over Saka due to the minutes he played with England. Of course, there is no such issue with Ramsdale.

TBR’s View: Arsenal v Juventus a good barometer

Friendlies have their uses as we all know but sometimes playing against a top side can have even more benefit.

With Arsenal doing so well and enjoying success in their warm weather training camp anyway, a win over a good Juventus side would be another added bonus.

Mikel Arteta will be delighted to welcome back more big names as well. The likes of Xhaka and the ‘phenomenal‘ Martinelli are key for his team. And if he can get minutes into them, then that’s all better news.