Rice starts, early return - Four things spotted in Arsenal training ahead of Man Utd clash

Mikel Arteta will have been working his Arsenal players hard in training as they prepare for their second pre-season clash against Manchester United

Arsenal take on Manchester United in a pre-season friendly this evening with a lot of decisions facing Mikel Arteta. The Gunners beat the MLS All stars earlier this week and will now do battle with fellow Premier League outfit Man United.

While Arsenal have been in the USA, transfer talks at Emirates Stadium has gone quiet for the most part following the £105million deal for Declan Rice. The 24-year-old came off the bench to make his debut for the Gunners and could be in line for a start on Saturday evening.

With that said, football.london has taken a look at all the things spotted in the latest round of Arsenal training pictures.

Declan Rice hint

Arsenal's club photographer captured Declan Rice deep in conversation with Gabriel Magalhaes which could hint both will start against Manchester United.

The Brazilian started alongside William Saliba against the MLS All-Stars and is expected to be named in the team again. Jorginho was the chosen defensive midfielder with Thomas Partey joining up with the squad next week, but Rice could now come in for the Italy international.

Both were pictured gesticulating to one another, potentially discussing positional decisions which could see Rice in line for his first start at his new club.

Smith Rowe returns

Emile Smith Rowe and Thomas Partey were initially scheduled to join up with Mikel Arteta's squad next week, however Smith Rowe chose to return early.

The 22-year-old won the Under-21 European championships with England earlier this month, but recognising the competition for places in the Arsenal squad has increased, made the decision to reunite with his boyhood club prior to the clash against Man United.

New bromance

Arsenal have plenty of relationships on and off the pitch, with international team-mates bonding and former domestic partnerships rekindled at Emirates Stadium.

However, a new blossoming relationship was captured in full flow in the latest batch of training pictures with Gabriel Jesus wrapping his arms round William Saliba in a warm embrace.

When on the pitch the duo are not usually close to each other positionally, but there is a clearly bond forming between the pair which will only bode well for Arsenal and Arteta.

Trossard concern

Leandro Trossard picked up a minor injury earlier this week and Arteta delivered a key update on his status in his latest press conference.

He said: "Yeah he’s fine. He trained this morning and he’ll be available tomorrow." However, Trossard was not pictured in training which may hint it was a limited session for the Belgian international or mostly work in the gym.

If that is the case, an appearance from Trossard against Manchester United may not occur as his fitness will have taken a minor hit from missing a few sessions and Arteta is highly unlikely to risk playing him in a pre-season game if he is still recovering.

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