London is bracing for a midweek football treat as Arsenal host Como 1907 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, August 12, in a preseason friendly that carries more weight than the average warm-up. For the Gunners, this is a chance to shake off two unexpected defeats that have raised eyebrows among supporters.
Mikel Arteta’s side stumbled against Real Betis in Ireland, losing 1-3, and then fell to Borussia Dortmund 2-3 in the Emirates Cup final. The back-to-back losses have prompted questions about the team’s sharpness, though the manager will point to the absence of several key players.
Como, meanwhile, arrive with momentum. The Italian club, now under the guidance of former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, recently beat Portuguese side Famalicao and are preparing for the biggest challenge in their history: a first-ever Champions League campaign. For them, this friendly is a measuring stick against a Premier League champion.
Team news from north London suggests that Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will likely miss the match, as both are still building fitness after their post-World Cup breaks. The pair have been working individually, and the club sees no reason to rush them into a friendly. Eberechi Eze, however, is expected to be in the squad. He played fewer minutes than his England teammates during the tournament and is closer to full match readiness.
Bruno Guimaraes also appears set for a cameo. The Brazilian midfielder has been training individually and was spotted doing light work on the Emirates pitch after the Dortmund game. Reports suggest he and Eze could get around 30 minutes each, a standard step for late-returning internationals as the season approaches.
Notable absentees include William Saliba, who is resting a back injury, and Jurrien Timber, who continues his rehabilitation from a long-term layoff. Both are expected to miss the fixture, leaving Arteta with a patchwork defence for the afternoon.
Beyond the match itself, broadcast details have created a stir. Fans in the United States will find no official television or streaming option for the game, which means those hoping to watch live may have to search for unofficial feeds. Similarly, viewers in Spain have no confirmed transmission. In contrast, Mexican supporters can catch the action exclusively on Disney+ Premium México.
This friendly is more than a routine exercise, as Arsenal’s next big test is the Community Shield against Manchester City, followed by their Premier League opener against Coventry City. With only a handful of days to integrate returning internationals, Arteta will be hoping for a positive performance against Como to restore confidence.
