Four Arsenal stars can prove point to Mikel Arteta during friendlies

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will have the chance to cast his eye over peripheral members of his squad during the World Cup break. Friendlies have already been scheduled at the Dubai Super Cup next month, which will see the Gunners pitted against Lyon and AC Milan. With several of the squad’s standout stars set to be preoccupied in Qatar, Express Sport takes you through four players who could provide Arteta with food for thought before Premier League action resumes…Signed as a youngster from Bolton, 27-year-old Holding is now a senior member of the Arsenal dressing room. The centre-back has caps at England U21 level but he was never in with a shout of making Gareth Southgate’s senior squad, meaning he is sure to take part in the Gunners’ trip to Dubai instead. Impressive performances will be a must from Holding if he is to stand any chance of barging his way into the XI, given that William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have formed a formidable partnership at the back so far this term.JUST IN: Ex-Man Utd boss Ralf Rangnick responds to insulting Cristiano Ronaldo jibe Mikel Arteta will oversee at least two Arsenal friendlies during the World Cup in Qatar (Image: GETTY)Scotland’s failure to make the Qatar World Cup will have been a bitter pill to swallow for Tierney, but it does at least present him with an opportunity to win back the left-back spot in north London. The 25-year-old’s stint at the Emirates has been complicated by Oleksandr Zinchenko’s summer arrival and Takehiro Tomiyasu’s impressive showings on the left. As a result, Tierney has been limited to just three Premier League starts all season. The upcoming friendlies against AC Milan and Lyon could therefore be vital for the former Celtic man, although due to Ukraine’s failure to make it to Qatar, Zinchenko is likely to be on the trip too. DON’T MISS…Kylian Mbappe joining Man Utd may affect five Erik ten Hag favouritesRonaldo can secure Man Utd exit by starring at World Cup – HoddleMan Utd to explore £150m Kylian Mbappe transfer as Ronaldo replacement Fabio Vieira has had to settle for a bit-part role at Arsenal (Image: GETTY)Playfully termed ‘the Croydon De Bruyne’, Smith Rowe has long been one of the crown jewels of Arsenal’s new wave of academy stars. Capped by England and into double figures with 10 Premier League goals in 2021/22, the youngster’s momentum took a huge hit when he required groin surgery in September. Yet to register a start, a goal or an assist for the Gunners this season, Smith Rowe will be itching to get back amongst the action. With his return scheduled for the end of November, big performances in Dubai will be a must due to the high-flying form of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.