Calafiori decision, Raya returns, Xhaka meets Rice again – Dream Arsenal XI vs Bayer Leverkusen
Arsenal welcome Bayer Leverkusen to the Emirates Stadium and will see Granit Xhaka make his return to north London in a playing capacity for the first time since his departure to become Bundesliga and German cup champion. The Swiss international was eliminated from the Euros by Bukayo Saka and the man who filled his starting spot in the Gunners’ midfield, Declan Rice – who he might face later in the game should the former West Ham man come on as a substitute.
The Gunners saw the aforementioned pair return to the club in the past couple of days after being granted an extended holiday due to their participation in the Three Lions. Aaron Ramsdale is also back as are David Raya and William Saliba.
Leverkusen will provide a very stern test for Arteta’s side as he takes on childhood friend Xabi Alonso, a fellow young Spanish coach making waves across Europe. Arteta will have some of these previously unavailable players for the game but to what capacity they are ready remains to be seen
Takehiro Tomiyasu remains a big injury doubt and Jurrien Timber has also not been spotted in recent images from training. While Riccardo Calafiori has been present, the likelihood of a start remains slim.
Fitness remains more key for the recent outfield returners, while either Aaron Ramsdale or David Raya are likely to be available to start the tie. It could be that both players share a half each on the day.
In defence, Ben White will have to wait to welcome back defensive partner Saliba, and with Timber a big doubt, it could be that Jakub Kiwior again comes into the back line. Gabriel Magalhaes and Oleksandr Zinchenko will start on the left, although the anticipation to witness the Italian signing come in at left-back will hopefully be fulfilled here.
Midfield is an exciting area that could get some new arrivals in before the end of the market. For now, however, Jorginho should be the starting base midfielder while the wait for Rice to become fully fit goes on. Two attacking midfield options bring excitement and Martin Odegaard’s inclusion goes without saying but again a chance to start Ethan Nwaneri will be one to raise the eyebrows of fans for all the right reasons.
Up top, Kai Havertz leads the line and like Rice, as Saka builds up to full fitness, on the right can be a chance to use Gabriel Jesus. On the left, Gabriel Martinelli should be offered the chance to continue his strong start to the summer and hopefully the new season.
Dream Arsenal XI vs Bayer Leverkusen: Raya; White, Kiwior, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Odegaard, Nwaneri; Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli.
