Arsenal fans will be heading to the Emirates stadiim later today hoping to see the full first-choice XI for the first time this pre-season in the friendly against Como. But those Gooners will need to temper their expectations slightly (atleast) with two key names set to be given a breather.
Fabregas’ Como visits Emirates later today
Arsenal will rub shoulders against a Como side that has quickly become one of Serie A’s more interesting projects given that they have not only been backed by wealthy ownership but also how they are playing under former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.
Como have built a reputation over the last couple of seasons for ambitious recruitment and a possession-based style that reflects Fabregas’ own playing days in north London. For a lot of Arsenal supporters, that connection alone makes this more than just a routine pre-season workout.
But who will be available and who misses out?
According to transfer insider Franchise (@franchisexcl), both Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are down to be rested for the fixture. With pre-season minutes needing to be carefully managed and a long campaign ahead, it’s a sensible bit of squad rotation rather than any cause for concern.
The good news is there’s still plenty of quality to choose from. Bruno Guimarães, fresh off his move from Newcastle, is reportedly among the options available, alongside the likes of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke, Martín Zubimendi, David Raya and Mikel Merino despite all of them just having returned to London Colney this Monday.
This should give Arteta plenty of flexibility to test different combinations even without his two first-choice stars on the pitch.
With Guimarães still bedding in following his move, minutes like these will matter more than the scoreline itself. Expect team news to firm up closer to kick-off, but on paper this looks like a solid chance to see some of Arsenal’s summer additions in action together for the first time, against a manager and a club that plenty of Gunners fans will already be watching with interest.
