Bukayo Saka’s strong display in Arsenal’s 3-0 opening-day win over Coventry has raised hopes that he has returned to full fitness after an injury-affected end to last season. His pace, attacking involvement and goal suggested that rest and a carefully managed workload may have helped him regain the sharpness that was less evident during Arsenal’s title run-in and England’s World Cup campaign.

Saka, 24, missed seven Arsenal matches after suffering an Achilles injury in March, although he still made 49 appearances and recorded 11 goals and nine assists last season. He played 357 minutes at the World Cup, starting three of England’s eight matches and contributing three goals and three assists, before taking only seven days off and returning early to training; he said he feels fit and motivated for the new campaign.