Calafiori decision, Raya returns, Xhaka meets Rice again – Dream Arsenal XI vs Bayer Leverkusen

Granit Xhaka will make his first playing return to north London since leaving to become the Bundesliga and German cup winner when Arsenal hosts Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, who started in the Swiss international’s place in the Gunners’ midfield and whom he would face later in the match should the former West Ham player enter as a substitute, eliminated the Swiss international from the Euros.

The two players who were granted an extended leave because of their involvement in the Three Lions have returned to the Gunners in the last few days. Along with William Saliba and David Raya, Aaron Ramsdale is also back.

When Arteta plays Leverkusen, he will put his young Spanish coach Xabi Alonso, a childhood friend who is currently making waves in Europe, to the test. Some of these players who were previously unavailable for the game will be accessible to Arteta, but it’s unclear how prepared they are.

Takehiro Tomiyasu is still very much a question due to injury, while new training photos do not appear to include Jurrien Timber. Riccardo Calafiori has been there, but there is still little chance of a start.

The recent outfield returners’ fitness is still more important, but David Raya or Aaron Ramsdale should be able to start the match. It’s possible that on any given day, both players split the half.

With Timber a serious doubt, Ben White will have to wait to welcome back defensive partner Saliba, and it’s possible that Jakub Kiwior will once more start in the back line. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Magalhaes will start on the left, but here is ideally where the fans’ expectation of seeing the Italian acquisition play left-back is realised.

Before the market expires, there may be some fresh arrivals at the intriguing midfield position. While we wait for Rice to recover completely, Jorginho ought to start as the starting base midfielder for the time being. Exciting alternatives for offensive midfield include Martin Odegaard, whose participation is obvious but still gives him a chance to start. Fans will be able to look twice at Ethan Nwaneri for all the right reasons.

Above, Kai Havertz leads the line and, similar to Rice, there may be an opportunity to play Gabriel Jesus on the right when Saka gains maximum fitness. Gabriel Martinelli ought to be given the opportunity to build on his excellent summer and, ideally, new season start on the left.

Bayer Leverkusen vs. Dream Arsenal starting lineup: Raya; White, Kiwior, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Odegaard, Nwaneri; Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli.