Explained: Why Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, William Saliba & David Raya won't play any part in Arsenal's pre-season tour of the United States

Arsenal will fly to the United States for their pre-season commitments but without a host of stars including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and others.

WHAT HAPPENED?
As the new football season approaches, the Gunners are all set to fly across the Atlantic to prepare themselves for the challenges ahead by playing a set of friendlies in the United States. Mikel Arteta will take with him a 26-man squad, led by Martin Odegaard, which comprises seasoned professionals with emerging young talents.

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THE EXPLANATION
The squad will miss several stars who were engaged in either the European Championship or the Copa America. Players such as Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Aaron Ramsdale, David Raya, and William Saliba are currently on a break from football and will rejoin the team in London, only after their return from the USA. However, Gabriel Magalhaes, Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz will fly out late and join the tour on July 25, following their respective Copa America and Euro 2024 commitments.
DID YOU KNOW?
Injuries have also played a part in the squad selection. Kieran Tierney, recovering from a hamstring issue, and Takehiro Tomiyasu, dealing with a knee problem, will remain in London to continue their rehabilitation at the Sobha Realty Training Centre. Nonetheless, key players like Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Jurrien Timber along with Leandro Trossard, Jorginho, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko are part of the team.

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ARSENAL PRE-SEASON SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Karl Hein, Tommy Setford, Lucas Nygaard, Alexei Rojas
Defenders: Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber, Josh Nichols, Jakub Kiwior, Ayden Heaven, Omar Rekik
Midfielders: Thomas Partey, Jorginho, Michal Rosiak, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Martin Odegaard, Emile Smith Rowe, Fabio Vieira, Ethan Nwaneri, Salah–Eddine Oulad M’Hand, Jimi Gower
Forwards: Leandro Trossard, Reiss Nelson, Charles Sagoe Jr, Gabriel Jesus, Eddie Nketiah
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WHAT NEXT?
Arsenal's pre-season kicks off with a match against Bournemouth at LA Galaxy’s Dignity Health Sports Park on Wednesday, July 24. Following this, they will face Manchester United at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on Saturday, July 27 and they play their final match in Philadelphia against Liverpool at Lincoln Financial Field on Wednesday, August 1, before heading back to the UK.

WHAT HAPPENED?