Arsenal: Could the World Cup impact recruitment strategy?

Throughout this World Cup, discussions have frequently centered on the physical condition of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka.

Both players hold equal significance for their nation and their club side, and they have consistently pushed their physical limits.

Rice has been managing a hamstring concern, receiving an injection late last year to address the problem.

The 27-year-old also fell ill during the tournament and was substituted at the break in England’s 2-1 quarter-final victory against Norway.

Last season, the club competed in 63 fixtures across all tournaments, advancing to the Champions League final and securing the domestic league crown.

Rice featured in 55 of those matches and, alongside his club colleagues, reported to the national team later after a brief period of rest.

A decision will now be made regarding the length of his break before he rejoins the club’s pre-season preparations.

Following the tournament’s conclusion, the midfielder is automatically entitled to the required 21-day vacation.

Saka finds himself in a comparable position to Rice, with rest being the primary remedy for the physical concern he has been coping with.

The wide attacker has been nursing an Achilles problem since March and acknowledged that participating in the tournament was a calculated risk.

According to England boss Thomas Tuchel, the player is now without pain. Nevertheless, his minutes continue to be carefully monitored, and he remained an unused substitute during the semi-final defeat to Argentina.

In addition to the Achilles trouble last term, Saka was sidelined for games due to a hamstring setback and will be optimistic that a rest this summer helps him rediscover his peak physical condition.