Arsenal predicted XI vs Real Betis as Gabriel and Martinelli return for pre-season clash

Arsenal are expected to welcome Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli back into the squad for Wednesday's pre-season friendly against Real Betis as Mikel Arteta continues to build fitness ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

The Gunners head to Dublin looking to build on their impressive 4-1 victory over Girona, with several World Cup stars edging closer to full match fitness.

Both Gabriel and Martinelli were granted extended breaks following Brazil's run to the World Cup last 16 and have yet to feature during Arsenal's pre-season programme.

The pair returned to training with their teammates in Spain before the Girona victory but were left out of the matchday squad as Arteta continued to manage their workload.

After several additional training sessions, both are expected to feature against Real Betis, although neither is likely to complete the full 90 minutes.

Arteta has been cautious with several senior players throughout pre-season.

Piero Hincapié, Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres were all substituted after 30 minutes against Girona, and a similar approach could be taken with Gabriel and Martinelli.

Ben White successfully returned from a knee injury by playing 60 minutes in that match but could now be rested after his first appearance in three months.

With Jurrien Timber still considered doubtful, youngster Marli Salmon is in contention to start at right-back.

Captain Martin Ødegaard has returned from his post-World Cup holiday but is not expected to feature due to limited training.

That should provide another opportunity for Ethan Nwaneri to impress in midfield alongside Kai Havertz and Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi Eze, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino all remain unavailable as they continue their post-World Cup breaks.

Summer signing Christos Tzolis scored during the win over Girona, while teenager Max Dowman also found the net.

However, Martinelli's expected return is likely to see the Brazilian reclaim his place on the left wing as Arteta gradually reintegrates his senior internationals.

Predicted Arsenal XI: Kepa; Salmon, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori; Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri, Havertz; Dowman, Gyokeres, Martinelli

Injured: William Saliba

Doubtful: Jurrien Timber

Unavailable: Martin Ødegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze (fitness/post-World Cup)

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