Bukayo Saka on course to confirm World Cup extension

Bukayo Saka showed his World Cup debut with a brace against Iran. Depending on how things pan out in Qatar this week, Mikel Arteta could soon be welcoming one or two of his World Cup stars back into the fray. At the time, only three nations have booked their place in the World Cup round of 16 stage. France, pre-tournament favourites Brazil and Euro 2016 winners Portugal are those three.

That indicated William Saliba, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli are confirmed to be staying in Qatar for at least another week as the round of 16 ties don't get started until the weekend with France on course to play on Sunday and Brazil the following the day if they top their respective groups. The remaining seven Arsenal players at the tournament can still join the aforementioned trio in the round of 16 stage if they all secure the required results.