Arsenal Prepares for Real Betis Friendly with Key Returns Expected

Arsenal FC continues its pre-season preparations today, August 5, with a significant friendly against Spanish side Real BetisTeam·Real Betis at the Aviva StadiumVenue·Aviva Stadium in Dublin. The match, kicking off at 7:30 PM UK time, serves as a crucial step for both clubs as they fine-tune their squads ahead of the 2026/27 season.

For ArsenalTeam·Arsenal, the fixture offers an opportunity to build on their recent 4-1 victory over GironaTeam·Girona. Manager Mikel Arteta is expected to welcome back Brazilian duo GabrielPlayer·Gabriel and Gabriel MartinelliPlayer·Gabriel Martinelli, who were granted an extended break following their national team's run to the last 16 of the World Cup. Both players linked up with the squad in Spain last week but were rested for the GironaTeam·Girona match, making their potential involvement in Dublin a key point of interest for supporters.

Arteta has demonstrated a cautious approach with player reintegration, notably withdrawing Piero HincapiePlayer·Piero Hincapie, Kai HavertzPlayer·Kai Havertz, and Viktor Gyokeres after 30 minutes against GironaTeam·Girona. This strategy may be applied to GabrielPlayer·Gabriel and Martinelli as they regain match fitness. Other squad considerations include the return of Ben WhitePlayer·Ben White, who played 60 minutes against GironaTeam·Girona after a three-month absence due to a knee injury, and the potential for young right-back Marli SalmonPlayer·Marli Salmon to feature, with Jurrien TimberPlayer·Jurrien Timber listed as doubtful. Club captain Martin Odegaard is also due back from his post-World Cup holiday this week, though his involvement against Real BetisTeam·Real Betis is unlikely due to a lack of training.

In midfield, Ethan NwaneriPlayer·Ethan Nwaneri is poised for another chance to impress, potentially alongside Kai HavertzPlayer·Kai Havertz and Myles Lewis-SkellyPlayer·Myles Lewis-Skelly. This comes as several key midfielders, including Martin ZubimendiPlayer·Martin Zubimendi, Eberechi EzePlayer·Eberechi Eze, Declan RicePlayer·Declan Rice, and Mikel MerinoPlayer·Mikel Merino, remain on their breaks. The club also recently saw a bid for Bruno GuimaraesPlayer·Bruno Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle, highlighting their ongoing efforts to strengthen the squad.

Real BetisTeam·Real Betis arrives in Dublin following a 1-0 victory over LaLiga2 side AlmeriaTeam·Almeria in their fifth summer fixture. The Spanish club enjoyed a strong 2025/26 season, finishing fifth in La LigaCompetition·La Liga with 60 points, securing a coveted spot in the UEFA Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League for the first time since 2006. Under the management of Manuel Pellegrini since 2020, Real BetisTeam·Real Betis has consistently performed, reaching the quarter-finals of both the Copa del ReyCompetition·Copa del Rey and the UEFA Europa LeagueCompetition·Europa League last season. Their squad has seen additions for the upcoming campaign, including Fran GarciaPlayer·Fran Garcia from Real MadridTeam·Real Madrid, Facundo BernalPlayer·Facundo Bernal from FluminenseTeam·Fluminense, and goalkeeper Diego CondePlayer·Diego Conde on loan from VillarrealTeam·Villarreal. Former ArsenalTeam·Arsenal right-back Hector BellerinPlayer·Hector Bellerin is also a notable presence in the Real BetisTeam·Real Betis lineup.

As a pre-season friendly, the match carries no direct competition implications. Instead, it provides both managers with a vital opportunity to assess player fitness, integrate new signings, and refine tactical approaches ahead of the demanding 2026/27 season. ArsenalTeam·Arsenal, as the reigning Premier LeagueCompetition·Premier League champions, will be keen to maintain momentum, while Real BetisTeam·Real Betis aims to build on their successful qualification for the Champions LeagueCompetition·Champions League.