Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could trial Leandro Trossard in a new role when the Gunners take on Nurnberg in a pre-season friendly next week.
The Gunners have begun their pre-season campaign on a training camp in Germany, with the one fixture pencilled in before the squad embarks on a tour of the United States.
Arsenal then return to England at the beginning of August to take on Monaco in the Emirates Cup, before they face Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Advert
Their numbers are relatively limited in Germany, however, with players who represented their national teams during the recent block of international fixtures allowed to join up with the squad at a later date.
As per football.london, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Jorginho, Aaron Ramsdale and Jakub Kiwior are among the players not currently with the first team squad.
Arsenal face 2.Bundesliga side Nurnberg on July 13, and depending on when players do make their returns, they may have to field an understrength side for their opening pre-season friendly of the season.
Advert
Of course, pre-season is all about experimenting with the available squad and giving players opportunity to improve their match fitness.
Therefore, while performance certainly helps, there is more at stake for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal - and the Spaniard could be keen to see one of his stars in a new role.
Trossard tipped for role change
According to football.london, winger Leandro Trossard could be in for a role change when Arsenal take on Nurnberg next week.
Advert
It is said that the Belgium international could feature in a central attacking midfield role, particularly due to the expected absence of Odegaard and new signing Kai Havertz.
Trossard, a versatile player who can play on both flanks and as a central striker if required, would likely be competing with Emile Smith Rowe to take the attacking midfield role against Nurnberg.
In addition, centre-back William Saliba is expected to be available, having not played since suffering a back injury in March.
And Brazilian wonderkid Marquinhos, who spent part of last season on loan at Championship side Norwich, is also tipped to start by the above report.
Featured Image Credit: Getty/The Arsenal Football ClubTopics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Germany, Premier League