ARSENAL 4—3—3 POTENTIAL STARTING LINE-UP WITH VICTOR OSIMHEN AND VIKTOR GYOKERES

Calafiori decision, Raya returns, Xhaka meets Rice again – Dream Arsenal XI vs Bayer Leverkusen

Granit Xhaka returns to the Emirates Stadium with Bayern Leverkusen as football.london picks their dream Arsenal XI to take on Xabi Alonso’s side

Mikel Arteta will have to decide when to give Riccardo Calafiorin a chance for Arsenal ahead of the friendly o⁰
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.

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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