Arsenal players return to training

July 4th for those of us stateside usually includes barbeque, beers, and fireworks. July 4th for a contingent of Arsenal players was the circled date of the beginning of preseason at London Colney. It seems like just a month ago we were celebrating our FA Cup Final victory over Chelsea and after six weeks of international games, vacations, proposals and weddings we will now play Chelsea two more times in preseason. Arsenal’s first match will be July 13th vs Sydney FC.

So who was in attendance today? According to twitter, Dick Law himself made an appearance, although he was not in training gear.

Mesut Özil has returned from his Hollywood vacation and after gone missing for the second half of last season, Lucas Perez, has emerged from under Arsene Wenger’s cupboard under the stairs with a freshly shaved widow’s peak.

Arsenal’s chief photographer, Stuart MacFarlane, snapped these shots including Sead Kolasinac, Danny Welbeck, The Jeff, Gibbs and some reserve players.

Update: Looks like Jack found his way back to London post honeymoon

Theo Walcott, Petr Cech and Carl Jenkinson all reported for duty too.

And finally, Francis Coquelin, BFG and a sight for sore eyes, Mathieu Debuchy, bring in the rest of the squad for testing, conditioning and the beginnings of what we all pray will be a successful Arsenal season.

If you don’t see your favorite Arsenal player, no need to fret, players who participated in international tournaments, matches, or are nursing an injury did not have to report on the 4th and will be headed back over to London Colney the next couple weeks. Alexis and Mustafi will probably be the last to report due to advancing and playing in the Confederations Cup Final.

COYG!