Arsenal draw with Como as Mikel Arteta faces pre-season fitness race
Arsenal played out a 1-1 draw with Cesc Fabregas’ Como as manager Mikel Arteta faces a race against time to build match fitness ahead of the new Premier League season.
The Gunners travel to Cardiff on Sunday to face Manchester City in the Community Shield.
They will then kick off their domestic campaign against Coventry in just nine days.
However, the north London club appear to be suffering from a disjointed summer schedule.
Management are heavily reliant on late returners from the World Cup to elevate squad standards.
Key stars lacking match practice
Influential midfielders Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice have not played a single minute during this pre-season.
Both England internationals returned to training this week, but medical staff are carefully managing their workloads.
A lack of squad depth and caution over Ben White’s fitness handed an unexpected starting opportunity to 18-year-old Theo Julienne.
The friendly nature of the fixture was evident as the technical area oversaw constant rotations.
Attacking options including Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus were limited to short 30-minute cameos.
Lewis-Skelly sends transfer message
Despite the disrupted preparations, Myles Lewis-Skelly delivered a standout performance amidst intense transfer speculation.
The 19-year-old has recently been linked with surprise moves to Chelsea and Manchester United.
However, the holding midfielder demonstrated his commitment by scoring the opening goal.
He led an aggressive press to force goalkeeper Jean Butez into an error before calmly slotting a low finish into the net.
The academy graduate celebrated by tapping the badge and making a heart gesture to the crowd.
His assured display in the number six role will likely deter any potential summer sale.
Guimaraes makes highly anticipated debut
Meanwhile, supporters were treated to the first glimpse of Bruno Guimaraes in an Arsenal shirt.
The Brazilian was introduced at half-time to build his match fitness ahead of the impending Community Shield clash.
His arrival sparked a massive roar around the stadium, providing a rare highlight in an otherwise forgettable encounter.