LONDON, ENGLAND — Arsenal have received a fitness boost ahead of their return to Premier League action, with Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie and Marli Salmon all featuring in the club’s latest training session.
The four players were seen back on the training pitch as Mikel Arteta’s squad continued preparations for Arsenal’s Premier League meeting with Leeds at the Emirates Stadium.
The development provides encouragement for Arsenal after the club entered the international break with defensive concerns surrounding White and Mosquera.
White And Mosquera Return
White had been unavailable since suffering a groin injury during Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Sunderland on September 12.
Mosquera, meanwhile, had been sidelined since being forced off during Arsenal’s match against Aston Villa on August 31 with a muscle problem.
The defender travelled with Arsenal for their subsequent fixture against Brighton and was seen at the Amex Stadium wearing a tracksuit. However, he was not included in the matchday squad.
His presence at the stadium suggested that he was progressing with his recovery, although he remained unavailable for selection at the time.
The extended international break has given Mosquera additional time to continue his rehabilitation, and he was subsequently seen training alongside White.
Hincapie Also Involved
Hincapie also featured in Arsenal’s training session after withdrawing from Ecuador’s squad because of fitness concerns.
The defender joined White and Mosquera as Arsenal continued preparations during the final stages of the international break.
His return provides Arteta with another option in defence as the club prepares for the resumption of domestic football.
Salmon Returns To Training
Young defender Marli Salmon was also involved after withdrawing from the England Under-18 squad last month.
The training session included several other players who remained with Arsenal during the international break because they were not selected by their respective national teams.
Noni Madueke, Illian Meslier and Kepa Arrizabalaga were among those involved.
A number of younger players also trained with the senior squad as Arteta assessed his available options.
Full-back Theo Julienne participated after making his senior debut in Arsenal’s Carabao Cup third-round victory over Ipswich.
Summer signing Elijah Upson, who joined Arsenal from Tottenham, was also part of the training group.
Havertz And Tzolis Still Being Assessed
While the return of four players represents encouraging news for Arsenal, Arteta still has fitness concerns to monitor.
Kai Havertz and Christos Tzolis both picked up knocks while representing their respective countries during the international break.
Arsenal are therefore awaiting further information on the condition of the two players as preparations continue for the Premier League clash with Leeds.
The return of White, Mosquera, Hincapie and Salmon nevertheless gives Arteta additional options as his squad prepares to resume competitive action following the international break.
