Gabriel and Bruno Guimaraes are set to report back to Arsenal's training ground early this week after Brazil's international fixtures concluded on Saturday, giving Mikel Arteta an earlier-than-usual boost for the Premier League clash against Leeds.
The Brazilian duo usually return last at the end of an international break, often joining up with their clubs only a day or two before a match. However, this time Brazil played just three matches during the window, with the last taking place on Saturday, while European teams - including Arsenal's English and Spanish contingent - still have another match to play on Tuesday night.
Extended break for Rice, academy opportunities
Arteta has had a very small group of first-team players available at the training ground during the three-week international break. Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Noni Madueke and Piero Hincapie have been on the pitch at Colney, with Illan Meslier also not involved for his country. Marli Salmon has been with them after withdrawing from England Under-18s duty.
Declan Rice has been given an extended break to manage his workload after pulling out of the senior squad. That has opened up opportunities for Arsenal's academy players, with Theo Julienne and Elijah Upson joining the main group for training last week, while Igor Tyjon also got the chance to train in front of Arteta.
Travel and fitness updates
Gabriel and Guimaraes still had significant travel to contend with, having played friendlies in Australia and India. Both came off the bench for the second half in Kolkata and appeared to come through unscathed.
Guimaraes started both of Brazil's matches against Australia, scoring in the second, before featuring for 45 minutes in the win over India. Gabriel had a quieter set of matches, starting only one of the three games and being an unused substitute in the first match in Australia.
Carlo Ancelotti referenced both players when discussing key figures he hoped would lead Brazilian football into a new era. "I chose these players, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Bruno, Vini, Raphinha, to help with this generational change," said the Selecao boss. "They are very important players for the future, and we are sure that, through their commitment, seriousness and professionalism, they will help the group of young players improve."
The earlier return is particularly important with Arsenal in action on Saturday lunchtime, further limiting preparation time after the international break.
