Arsenal host Borussia Dortmund at Emirates in key preseason friendly

Arsenal Prepare to Host Borussia Dortmund in High-Stakes Emirates Friendly

Premier League champions Arsenal are set to face Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund in a much-anticipated preseason friendly at the Emirates Stadium this Sunday, August 9. The match kicks off at 2pm ET and will be available exclusively through Arsenal.com and the Arsenal app, offering fans a front-row seat to this elite clash in North London.

Mikel Arteta’s squad arrives on the back of mixed preseason performances, having secured wins against MK Dons and Girona but recently falling 3-1 to Real Betis in Dublin. Several key players remain absent due to World Cup commitments, including Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Martin Zubimendi, David Raya, Noni Madueke, and Mikel Merino. Additionally, William Saliba is sidelined with a back injury. Notably, Martin Odegaard has resumed training following his World Cup duties with Norway, adding a boost to Arsenal’s lineup.

Borussia Dortmund’s preseason has been a rollercoaster, with victories over Rot-Weiss Oberhausen and FC Tokyo offset by defeats to Fortuna Dusseldorf and Cerezo Osaka. The German side faces its own personnel challenges, having lost Julian Brandt to Ajax and Karim Adeyemi to Barcelona, while Niklas Sule dropped down several tiers to Tiefenbach. American talent Cole Campbell has departed for newly promoted Bundesliga side Elversberg, though 17-year-old winger Mathis Albert is included in Dortmund’s squad for this encounter.

Injuries also impact Dortmund’s roster, with Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can unavailable, yet the team fields promising players such as Serhou Guirassy, Waldemar Anton, and Felix Nmecha—who has reportedly attracted interest from Newcastle United. This mix of seasoned and emerging talent sets the stage for a compelling contest.

This Emirates Cup fixture offers both sides an opportunity to gauge their readiness ahead of the upcoming season, testing squad depth and tactical approaches. Fans tuning in will witness a clash that blends established stars with exciting prospects, all vying to make a strong preseason statement.

The match will be broadcast live on Arsenal’s official digital platforms, requiring a subscription for access. Fans should prepare for a dynamic encounter that promises high-quality football and strategic battles on the pitch.