Arsenal and Manchester City face injury concerns ahead of the Community Shield at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium

Premier League champions Arsenal take on FA Cup holders Manchester City as the top-flight curtain-raiser takes place in Cardiff. Enzo Maresca begins a new dawn in the North West after replacing serial-winner Pep Guardiola.

The Italian returns to management after his shock departure from Chelsea at the beginning of 2026. Maresca enjoyed success in West London and will be hoping to get his latest managerial chapter off to a winning start.

Mikel Arteta will be standing in the opposing dugout looking to put an end to that, to continue the trophy-winning feeling at the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners endured a disappointing end to a famous season, losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties but the Community Shield poses new possibilities for the Spaniard.

The North American World Cup has disrupted pre-season preparations for clubs across Europe, with star players returning at various intervals.

Arsenal's Premier League victory marked the third trophy during Arteta's tenure at the Emirates Stadium but the first since the FA Cup and subsequent Community Shield triumph in 2020.

The Spaniard has welcomed the confirmation that Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are set to feature in the capital.

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However, it's not all positive for the Gunners with crucial defenders William Saliba and Jurrien Timber anticipated to be unavailable. Saliba has been ruled out after the Frenchman's World Cup campaign was cut short by a long-term back problem, which will keep him on the treatment table for a prolonged spell.

Timber has been managing a groin complaint since March, and it proved serious enough to rule him out of the World Cup, despite making a comeback in the closing stages of Arsenal's title-winning campaign, in which they came up short in the Champions League. "Jurrien is progressing really well, he's on the pitch," Arteta said.

"We are ramping up now certain actions and especially the volume and the load. And I think he's in a good trajectory but there's still a few weeks to go.

"I don't know [if he will be back before international break], we have to wait and see. He needs to start to train with the group in the next week or so hopefully and then see how he progresses from there.

"It's been a long-term issue right now and we want to make sure that every step that we take is the right one. He feels right to do that and it's such an important thing for us."

Rodri made his return to England this week following Spain's exploits, though the Man City midfielder required minor back surgery in the aftermath of Luis de la Fuente's side making history.

The Spaniard's long-term future in the North West remains uncertain, with Barcelona seemingly poised to intensify their pursuit, though this weekend will arrive too soon for the 30-year-old.

Jack Grealish is another City stalwart whose future hangs in the balance following his loan stint at Everton last season. A foot injury, however, cut short his time with the Toffees and he has spent time since recovering from the problem.

The 39-time England international recently returned to training, though he looks unlikely to feature under the famous arch. Ryan McAidoo has been involved during pre-season, but a setback appears set to limit his participation.

The City departures remain up in the air with Maresca's team reportedly bracing for something of a summer clearout. Savinho is another amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

The Italian head coach expressed doubts about his availability due to illness, stating: "He was not part of the session [on Thursday], he was a little bit ill.

"We'll see today, the session is in the afternoon, so we'll see how he is today and we'll decide [whether he is available vs Arsenal]."