The 2026/27 season hasn’t even started, and Arsenal already have reasons to smile. Enzo Maresca’s Manchester City are set to face the Premier League champions without six first-team regulars when the two sides meet in the Community Shield on August 16.
It’s the kind of early advantage Mikel Arteta won’t take for granted. But with the Gunners also battling a World Cup hangover of their own, the road to Cardiff isn’t exactly straightforward for either side.
Maresca’s Headache Before a Ball Is Kicked
The World Cup final between Spain and Argentina wraps up the tournament on July 19. For Manchester City, that’s a problem.
Rodri, Rayan Cherki, Nico O’Reilly, Marc Guehi, Elliot Anderson and James Trafford were all involved until the final weekend of the competition. FIFPro recommends a minimum four-week recovery period for players after major tournaments. That timeline leaves almost no room for any of them to be match-ready by August 16.
At least five of those six would normally walk into Maresca’s starting XI. Their collective absence is a significant blow for a manager still finding his feet after replacing Pep Guardiola in late June.
Maresca himself has acknowledged the challenge ahead. On the day of his appointment, he told Manchester City’s website:
“I know this Club, I know the demands and I know the expectations.”
Those expectations don’t pause for a World Cup. But the reality is clear: his first competitive match in charge will come with a severely depleted squad.
Arsenal’s Own Injury Worries Cast a Shadow
Don’t assume it’s all smooth sailing at London Colney. Arsenal have eight players who reached the World Cup semi-finals, including Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, David Raya, Mikel Merino, Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke.
All of them are doubts for the Community Shield.
Then there’s William Saliba. The Frenchman played through the tournament with a back fracture, according to RMC Sport. He was pulled off after just 30 minutes of France’s semi-final defeat to Spain, reportedly telling teammate Dayot Upamecano: “My back is gone.”
L’Equipe initially reported Saliba could face four to five months on the sidelines. A follow-up from the same outlet confirmed surgery has been ruled out for now after reassuring tests, but the defender’s availability for the start of the season remains deeply uncertain. It’s a situation Arsenal’s medical team will manage carefully alongside the club’s hierarchy.
A Busy Summer Could Soften the Blow
While World Cup fatigue dominates the headlines, Arsenal have been far from idle in the transfer market. The Gunners have already secured deals for Piero Hincapie and Illan Meslier, and they’re reportedly pushing hard on two major fronts.
The pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle has been bubbling behind the scenes for weeks. According to Yahoo Sports, Arsenal are working through intermediaries rather than direct negotiations, with the Brazilian midfielder reportedly keen on a move. Newcastle, however, want around £100 million. That’s a hefty price tag, even for champions.
Then there’s the Julian Alvarez saga. Arsenal, Barcelona and PSG have all expressed interest in the Atletico Madrid striker. TEAMtalk reported that Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta both believe Alvarez would be an ideal fit. But Atletico CEO Miguel Angel Gil has publicly insisted the Argentine isn’t leaving.
Could either deal get done before pre-season ramps up? It’s anyone’s guess right now. But the ambition is unmistakable.
Here’s a quick snapshot of Arsenal’s summer so far:
- Piero Hincapie signed
- Illan Meslier signed
- Bruno Guimaraes pursued (indirect negotiations ongoing)
- Julian Alvarez targeted (competing with Barcelona and PSG)
- Christos Tzolis talks reportedly at an advanced stage
What This All Means for Cardiff
The Community Shield returns to the Principality Stadium for the first time since 2006. It’s a fixture that carries symbolic weight, even if it doesn’t count toward the Premier League table.
For Maresca, it’s a first impression. With six key players unavailable and others still building fitness, he’ll need to lean on fringe squad members and pre-season performers. It’s an immediate test of depth, and frankly, of his tactical flexibility.
For Arteta, it’s an opportunity to set the tone. Arsenal won the Premier League last season. They reached the Champions League final. And they’re clearly not done spending.
But both managers face the same underlying issue. The World Cup’s compressed timeline means neither side will be at full strength. The real battle begins when the Premier League kicks off a week later on August 22.
Still, wouldn’t you rather be Arsenal heading into this one? Six missing City stars, a title already in the bag, and a squad that’s getting stronger by the week. It’s not a bad position to be in at all.
