5 things noticed in Arsenal training as Rice settles differences with old friend
Arsenal took part in a training session ahead of Wednesday's clash against MLS All-Stars, as Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber got stuck in with their new team-mates.
Mikel Arteta led out his team in Washington DC on Monday to prepare for the All-Star game, but also to incorporate the new signings as pre-season continues. Kai Havertz was already a part of the group that trained in Germany last week, and Arsenal now instantly have their Granit Xhaka replacement with Rice.
Training was segregated as certain members of the squad worked purely on fitness while others engaged in activities on the grass. Lots of the training session was documented across Arsenal's social media, and here Mirror Football looks through five major talking points from the session.
Rice and Nketiah settle their differences
Rice may have only just joined the Gunners, but was seen in multiple clips laughing and joking with Eddie Nketiah. Rice has revealed his love for Bukayo Saka on multiple occasions after spending time away together for international duty, but the midfielder already appears close with Nketiah.
For those with a good memory, this may come as a surprise as Rice and Nketiah clashed in May 2022 during an incident between West Ham and Arsenal at the London Stadium. But the pair go back a long way, and even were part of the same under-nine side at Chelsea.
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"I played with Eddie from under-nines to under-14s. We were both released on the same day and it’s crazy where football takes you, your journey," Rice told Arsenal Media. "He’s made it through the ranks at Arsenal, I made it through the ranks at West Ham.
"Now we get to link back up again. I’ve always loved Eddie, even though we had that little altercation on the pitch before!"
Rice and Nketiah are pals again after a scrap at London StadiumOdegaard happy with the boss
A fun aspect of Arsenal's training session involved jumping on the back of team-mates, but Martin Odegaard chose the manager as his partner. Arteta was seen giving Odegaard a piggyback and both were loving the moment, as the Spaniard continues to share a close relationship with his players.
Odegaard was named as captain by Arteta on July 30, 2022, and was a real driving force for the team last season. It didn't end with the Premier League title that fans started to dream about, but Arsenal improved massively with Odegaard wearing the armband.
The revived spirit within the dressing room means that Arsenal have a bunch of leaders, and it's clearly shown on the training pitch. But Odegaard's bond with the boss will be a welcome sight for Arsenal fans.
Martin Odegaard and Mikel Arteta were joking together in training (2023 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)Six players only focusing on fitness
Arteta left six players out of on-field activities during Monday's session, allowing them to focus on fitness. Rice, Nketiah, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Gabriel Martinelli and Mohamed Elneny were seen on the bikes, and also taking part in stretches.
It means that they're a doubt for Wednesday's All-Star game, but once they're at full fitness Arteta will be glad to get them involved. Rice has only just joined the Gunners after making his English-record move from West Ham, and his pre-season schedule has been delayed while negotiations took place.
Timber took part in full training, as he'd begun work with Ajax before his move to north London was announced. Fitness was a big issue for Tomiyasu last season, although Ben White seemed to find comfort in his new right-back role.
Declan Rice joined his new team-mates for training in Washington, DC. (2023 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)Timber settles in
Timber signed for Arsenal just before Rice completed his transfer, and was seen settling in nicely with his new team-mates. Timber was often seen by Saka's side as the Arsenal's two-time player of the season showed him the ropes.
The former Ajax defender is already a fan favourite after admitting he was an Arsenal fan, and that the move was a dream come true. Arsenal are a popular team in the Netherlands, due to their legacy when it comes to players from the nation.
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Robin van Persie inspired a younger generation from the Netherlands, although he's no longer that popular at the Emirates after leaving for Manchester United. Dennis Bergkamp was also one of the finest players in Arsenal and Dutch history.
Jurrien Timber was welcomed by Bukayo Saka (2023 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)
Reiss Nelson was absent due to a toe injury (2023 The Arsenal Football Club Plc)Nelson handed early blow
It was already expected that Reiss Nelson would not take part in training after suffering a minor injury, his diagnosis came out once the team travelled to the United States. Nelson hurt his toe during Arsenal's Germany camp, and the team decided not to risk him in the States.
The injury is only set to keep him out for two weeks, with plans to welcome him back for Arsenal's Emirates Cup match against AS Monaco on August 2. Although Nelson will be focused on returning for the Premier League season, it means he will miss out on some exciting pre-season opportunities.
Following Arsenal's match against MLS All-Stars, they face Manchester United in New Jersey before travelling to Los Angeles. The Gunners face Barcelona on the west coast before heading back to London.
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