Following a rigorous campaign for Arsenal and now seeing the likes of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka struggling, there should be real worry at the Emirates ahead of next season.
Arsenal played more matches than most teams last season, as they went deep into the Champions League, FA Cup and EFL Cup.
But the club’s star players have also been given very little chance to rest, with 14 players being selected by their nations for the World Cup.
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The Gunners will be pleased to see Kai Havertz, Piero Hincapie, and Viktor Gyokeres heading home, but some of the players still out there have been struggling.
Particularly struggling at the World Cup has been Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, three players who gave so much to Arsenal’s title bid.
There will surely be some worry coming from the Emirates Stadium about the state of all three players ahead of next season’s title defence bid.
Declan Rice was spotted holding his hamstring after Senegal
After England’s win over Senegal, Rice was spotted clutching his hamstring, which really is not a good sign for either the Three Lions or Arsenal.
The 27-year-old managed to avoid any injuries last term, but having played more minutes than any other Arsenal player, an issue at the World Cup.
Rice was unable to play in England’s third group stage game against Panama, just highlighting that he is not completely immune to any issues.
If England does go deep into the tournament, the midfielder won’t have a great deal of time to rest or at least be able to get a strong pre-season under his belt.
However, given just how elite Rice has become, it would be no surprise to see him keep performing at an insane level, despite small fitness concerns.
Bukayo Saka still does not look sharp
Ian Wright pointed out how Saka still looks off the pace for England when the winger has come off the bench.
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In the past, the 24-year-old has been at his best when he can beat defenders, but right now, he just looks unable to do that.
Saka was struggling with an Achilles issue heading into the World Cup and has started just one game at the tournament so far.
63 minutes is the longest he has lasted this summer, and after a season of several injury concerns, it is far from ideal to see him not get much chance to rest.
Arsenal still having to monitor William Saliba’s back issue
Arsenal are still having to monitor Saliba’s back issue, which looked like it could have ruled him out of the tournament.
The Gunners have been targeting the signing of another central defender this summer, which could suggest they are slightly concerned about the Frenchman.
Arsenal won the Premier League last season because of their defence, and losing Saliba next term would be detrimental to their hopes.
All three players should concern Arsenal, and plans will need to be made now to ensure they are all treated properly.
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