David Raya isn’t hanging around. The Arsenal goalkeeper was spotted warming up at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, despite not being named in the squad for the pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund. He’d returned from his post-World Cup break earlier than expected — and that’s great news for Gunners fans ahead of next week’s Community Shield.
So why is this such a big deal? Because it means Arsenal’s first-choice keeper could be fit and available when they face Manchester City in Cardiff on August 16.
From World Cup Winner to Pre-Season Warm-Up
Raya was part of Spain’s 26-man squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. While he didn’t start — Luis de la Fuente stuck with Unai Simon between the posts — Raya was there for the whole ride. And what a ride it was.
Spain went all the way, beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium to lift the trophy for only the second time. The squad didn’t return home until late July, and players involved in the tournament’s latter stages were given extended holidays by their clubs.
Raya was expected to rejoin the Arsenal squad later in pre-season. Instead, he showed up at the Emirates ahead of the Dortmund game, getting a session in with the goalkeeping coaches. The decision to come back early speaks volumes about his mindset.
It’s worth remembering what kind of season he’s coming off:
- A third consecutive Premier League Golden Glove, with 19 clean sheets in 37 league appearances
- A Premier League winners’ medal as Arsenal clinched their first title in over two decades
- A World Cup winners’ medal with Spain
Not a bad 12 months, is it?
What It Means for the Community Shield
Without Raya, Arsenal have been rotating their goalkeeping options. Kepa Arrizabalaga started against Dortmund and also played in the earlier friendly against Real Betis. Illan Meslier came on at half-time against Dortmund as well as Betis game. Neither has exactly inspired confidence — Arsenal lost 3-1 to Betis and fell 3-2 to Dortmund.
Having Raya back changes the picture. The Community Shield isn’t just a pre-season trophy. It’s Arsenal vs. Manchester City, Premier League champions vs. FA Cup winners. It’s the first chance to make a statement before the 2026/27 season kicks off.
The match will be held at Cardiff’s Principality Stadium rather than Wembley — a scheduling clash with The Weeknd’s concert tour moved the venue. It’s the first time the Community Shield has been played in Cardiff since 2006.
Arsenal still have a midweek friendly against Como before travelling to Wales. If Raya can get a full week of training under his belt, there’s every reason to believe he’ll start against City.
Arsenal’s Bigger Pre-Season Picture
Raya’s early return is welcome, but he isn’t the only key player Arsenal are managing carefully. Several stars remain absent following their World Cup commitments. William Saliba is sidelined with a back injury. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi, and Mikel Merino were all unavailable for the Dortmund game.
On the brighter side, new signing Bruno Guimarães was presented to fans before kick-off, though he wasn’t included in the matchday squad.
Mikel Arteta will want as many senior players available as possible for the City clash. Raya choosing to cut his holiday short gives the manager one less headache — and arguably fills the most important position on the pitch.
The Premier League season begins on Friday, August 21, with newly promoted Coventry visiting the Emirates. There’s not a lot of time to waste.
For now, though, the sight of Raya back on the Emirates turf is exactly the kind of boost Arsenal fans were hoping for. He’s been the league’s best goalkeeper for three straight years. Getting him match-ready before Cardiff should be Arteta’s top priority.
