Ol' Blighty

Arsenal and Real Betis Set for Dublin Friendly Showdown

Squad uncertainties loom for Arsenal ahead of Aviva Stadium clash; Hector Bellerin to face former club.

A single football boot on a stadium pitch under dramatic lights.
Callum Smith
Callum Smith
Arsenal and Real Betis will meet in a pre-season club friendly today at Dublin's Aviva Stadium.
Jurrien Timber remains a doubt for Arsenal, having missed the recent victory over Girona. William Saliba is out with a back injury; captain Martin Odegaard's return from his post-World Cup holiday means the game likely comes too soon for him.
Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Martin Odegaard are also missing from the squad, alongside Saliba and Timber. David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze remain on holiday, further impacting Arsenal's lineup.
Ben White, however, played 60 minutes in a previous match after recovering from a knee injury. He is ready to continue starting at right-back.
After Kepa started against Girona, new signing Illan Meslier might receive a chance to play this fixture. Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli expect to feature for Arsenal, returning after their post-World Cup break.
Real Betis goalkeeper Diego Conde is sidelined with a dislocated left shoulder. Hector Bellerin is set to play against his former club, Arsenal, for the first time since his departure.
Real Betis enters the friendly in strong form, having won four of their five pre-season games. Arsenal saw a bid for Bruno Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle, though Arsenal Supporters claim a deal has been agreed for the player.
Christian Norgaard is rumoured to be closing in on a move to Everton, making his appearance unlikely. Kai Havertz is in strong form, and Christos Tzolis and Max Dowman have been performing well in pre-season.
Following this fixture, Arsenal's upcoming schedule includes matches against Borussia Dortmund, Como, Manchester City in the Community Shield, and Coventry City.

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