Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a significant fitness boost ahead of Sunday’s FA Community Shield final against Manchester City, confirming that Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Zubimendi are available for selection. The trio, who had been sidelined from pre-season matches following their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, have returned to training with the squad. While Saka and Rice helped England secure a third-place finish, Zubimendi was part of the victorious Spain side that lifted the trophy.
Despite the positive news regarding his midfield and attacking options, Arteta acknowledged ongoing concerns within his defensive ranks. The manager confirmed that both Jurrien Timber and William Saliba remain sidelined due to injury and will not be available for the upcoming contest. Arsenal, as FA Cup holders, are set to face the defending Premier League champions in a match that marks the start of the 2026-27 campaign. This encounter will also see Manchester City under new leadership, with Enzo Maresca now at the helm following the departure of Pep Guardiola.
The fixture, scheduled for August 16, will be held at the Cardiff Principality Stadium in Wales rather than the traditional venue of Wembley Stadium. The change in location is necessary because Wembley is currently booked for a concert tour by Canadian artist The Weeknd. This marks the first time the Community Shield has been played away from Wembley since 2022, when Liverpool and Manchester City met at the King Power Stadium.
The Cardiff Principality Stadium is no stranger to the event, having previously hosted the Community Shield between 2001 and 2006 during the period when Wembley Stadium was undergoing renovations. Although the match is often viewed as a curtain-raiser to the new season, both clubs are expected to field their strongest available lineups for the high-profile clash.
Mikel Arteta provides fitness update on 3 key Arsenal stars ahead of Community Shield final against Manchester City
While Arsenal fans can be confident about having their best legs in attack and midfield, the same can not be said for the defence.
However, the 2026 edition, which will pit Arsenal against Manchester City, will take place at the Cardiff Principality Stadium in Wales.
As such, both managers are expected to lineup their best legs for the encounter.
He stated that the trio have been training with the team and, barring any last-minute situation, should feature in the tie at the Cardiff Principality Stadium.
