Yet to be revealed how many, if any, regulars will be used in this game. Only new signing so far experienced Willian. Mustafi and 3 others sidelined.
Arsenal lifted FA Cup less than a month ago and with such short period between seasons it’s no surprise that Gunners opted out of going abroad for training camp. Also as things stand at start of this week more than half of their regulars remain away on their deserved holidays.
Only friendly before this match played on Tuesday with Gunners beating MK Dons 4:1 in game that saw tons of teenagers given the chance. Still likes of Leno, Tierney, Aubameyang and Xhaka were involved.
Coach Arteta should have his entire squad back training come Saturday, but this doesn’t mean he will be selecting his best players as team had just 2 training sessions and 1 friendly to prepare for this match. Willian and Lacazette confirmed as non-starters.
New winger Willian could make his debut though, with Nketiah also expected to lead attack as he started vs. MK Dons on Tuesday.
Mustafi and 3 others are still sidelined.
Very successful in Community Shield appearances, involved in 5 of 19 such games in XXI century and lifted trophy on 4 occasions.
on what sort of shape his squad are in... "We've had two training sessions so you can imagine that this game comes straight in the middle of our mini pre-season, but as well we haven't had much time to lose a lot of the condition. Obviously it's not an ideal moment to play in this final but the players are motivated. Obviously it's another opportunity to win a trophy and we will go for it."