The World Cup final takes place Sunday with the Premier League starting in just over a month. Arsenal, defending champions after their first title in 22 years, had 15 players at the tournament and still have eight involved. Spain's final includes David Raya, Mikel Merino, and Martin Zubimendi, while England's bronze match features Noni Madueke, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, and Eberechi Eze. William Saliba's tournament ended early after he limped off for France with a back injury.

Saliba played just 30 minutes against Spain and faces possible surgery that could sideline him four months. His partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes was crucial to Arsenal's clean sheets. Ben White (knee surgery) and Jurrien Timber are expected fit, with Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera as alternatives. Rice managed a hamstring issue and illness across 55 of 63 matches last season, while Saka played through an Achilles problem since March; Thomas Tuchel says Saka is now "pain-free".

Fitness concerns may accelerate transfer plans. Arsenal have a verbal agreement for Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge after selling Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £15m. The club would listen to offers for Gabriel Martinelli and are monitoring Julian Alvarez and Morgan Rogers. A centre-back may be targeted if Saliba's absence is long-term. The first pre-season friendly is away to Girona on 1 August.