Arsenal have received a significant triple boost ahead of Sunday's Community Shield against Manchester City, with Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi all set to be available.
The trio have returned to training following their post-World Cup breaks and could now feature when Mikel Arteta's Premier League champions face FA Cup holders City in Cardiff.
Arteta confirmed their availability on Friday, although Arsenal will make a final assessment after Saturday's training session.
Saka, Rice and Zubimendi ready for Man City
Saka and Rice were given additional time away following England's run to the World Cup semi-finals in North America.
Zubimendi was also granted an extended break after helping Spain win the tournament.
All three are now back working with the Arsenal squad and Arteta expects them to be involved against Manchester City provided there are no issues in the final training session.
"They will be available."
Arteta added: "They trained with us today, they will train tomorrow. If they are in the condition we expect them to be, they will be involved."
Saka actually returned earlier than initially planned. He had been due back on Monday but reported for duty on Saturday alongside goalkeeper David Raya.
The return of three key players gives Arteta considerably more options for Arsenal's first competitive match of the new campaign.
Arsenal squad strengthened after World Cup
Arsenal have gradually welcomed their World Cup players back ahead of the new season.
Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino have also returned, with all three featuring in Wednesday's pre-season friendly against Como.
Raya was involved in that match too.
It means Arteta's squad is beginning to take shape at the right time, although the Gunners still have important absentees in defence.
William Saliba remains unavailable due to a long-term back problem which was aggravated during the World Cup. The injury does not require surgery, but Arsenal are set to be without the centre-back for an extended period.
Timber still weeks away from Arsenal return
Jurrien Timber will also miss the Community Shield as he continues his recovery from the persistent groin injury that has troubled him since March.
The Netherlands international missed the World Cup and remains several weeks away from competitive action.
There has at least been some progress in his rehabilitation.
"He's progressing really well. On the pitch, we're ramping up certain actions."
Arteta described Timber as being on "a good trajectory", but confirmed Arsenal are not yet ready to bring him back.
"He has to start to train with the group in the next week or so hopefully and see how he progresses from there."
That makes the Community Shield too early, but a return to group training could provide Arsenal with another defensive boost shortly after the season begins.
Key Points
- Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi are available to face Manchester City.
- All three have returned following extended post-World Cup breaks.
- Arteta says they will be involved if they come through Saturday's training as expected.
- Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino have already returned to action.
- William Saliba remains sidelined with a long-term back problem.
- Jurrien Timber will miss the Community Shield with his ongoing groin injury.
- Timber could return to Arsenal team training within the next week or so.
What's Next?
Saka, Rice and Zubimendi will train again on Saturday before Arteta makes his final selection for the Community Shield.
Their return significantly strengthens Arsenal for the meeting with Enzo Maresca's Manchester City, although the absence of Saliba and Timber leaves Arteta with decisions to make defensively.
Timber's rehabilitation will continue in the meantime, with Arsenal hoping he can rejoin full team training soon and move closer to making his first appearance of the new campaign.
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