Following the final World Cup call-ups on Monday, Arsenal’s internationals have learned their shirt numbers for the tournament.
The World Cup squad deadline was on Monday, meaning all of Arsenal’s internationals now know whether or not they’ll be involved in the tournament.
For the 10 players called up, we’ve also now learned their shirt numbers, which will perhaps give us a hint about what to expect at the tournament.
For example, Matt Turner has been handed the number one shirt with the USA, so we can probably expect him to start matches. But Aaron Ramsdale has received the number 23 with England, suggesting he’s further down the pecking order.
Arsenal’s other two England internationals have fairly high numbers as well, with Bukayo Saka receiving 17 and Ben White receiving 21.
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has received the number 10 shirt, whilst Ghana captain Thomas Partey has the number five.
For Arsenal’s two Brazilians, Gabriel Jesus has been handed the number 18 shirt, whilst Gabriel Martinelli has the number 26.
But a high number doesn’t necessarily mean a spot on the bench. Takehiro Tomiyasu is almost certain to start every game for Japan – when fit – but he’s received the number 16.
The same may well be true for William Saliba, who is tipped to start for France but has the number 17.
Ultimately, the number is just a number, and all of Arsenal’s internationals will have the chance to prove they deserve a starting spot in the coming days of pre-tournament training.
Arsenal World Cup internationals’ shirt numbers
- Gabriel Jesus – 18 (Brazil)
- Gabriel Martinelli – 26 (Brazil)
- Thomas Partey – 5 (Ghana)
- Aaron Ramsdale – 23 (England)
- Bukayo Saka – 17 (England)
- William Saliba – 17 (France)
- Takehiro Tomiyasu – 16 (Japan)
- Matt Turner – 1 (USA)
- Ben White – 21 (England)
- Granit Xhaka – 10 (Switzerland)