As our gallant boys re-assemble for their annual bonding session in Austria, what significance can be read into the squad which has been assembled for the annual shindig?

Apart from the missing Fabregas and Van Persie, on extended leave after the World Cup Final, Eduardo, Denilson and Bendtner (plus Ramsey) are absent. The first of these is, we have to assume, on his way to Ukraine – but will he be replaced from outside or within? What about Denilson? I haven’t seen any news of injury, illness or other reasons for his absence. Maybe Barca have switched their attention to our Brazilian dynamo? Bendtner, we have to assume, is still suffering his groin strain, incurred not on World Cup duty, but it would seem while on duty with his Danish aristocrat fiancée.

But it is amongst the younger players where the absentees are rather more interesting, especially in terms of what this says about Project Youth:
• Jay Simpson, scorer of two goals against the mighty Barnet, is left behind, having been told he can leave. I don’t understand this one – whenever I have seen him play, for Arsenal or on loan, he has shown a clearer idea of where the goal is compared to either Walcott or Vela for example. He may not be someone who would ever command a first team place on a regular basis, but is he really not worth including as a substitute or as cover for our inevitable injury run?
• Nacer Barazite, a player of sublime skill on occasion, but has Wenger concluded he is too frail or slight for the Premier League?
• Sanchez Watt, given a new contract last year, and spoken of very highly by the manager, but left out entirely.
• Gavin Hoyte, another one who was given a new contract last year, went on loan and now where is he?
• Mark Randall, who had shown promise when he first appeared, but seems to have regressed; another one for the exit door I imagine.

The squad however does contain some new names, home grown, who may yet vindicate Project Youth. Frimpong, JET, Henderson and Lansbury all have the faith of the manager it would seem, but until we see their squad numbers we won’t know how real that faith is.

I remember telling our esteemed editor some time ago that the number 32 was significant; Theo got that number when he arrived, and other than Bendtner, no serious member of the first team squad has a number above 32. Wilshere’s acceptance into the fold was symbolised by his being given the 19 shirt. I am sure that giving Merida the 32 shirt last year was a symbolic – if ultimately futile – attempt at keeping him. Vela is very much one of the chosen ones now, having been promoted from 12 to 11. Assuming Eduardo leaves, the number 9 will soon be free, as could 31 if Sol leaves, but also free now are 12, 13, 18, 25, 26 and 32 itself. Presumably one these will be held for our next centre back (not to mention a replacement for Eduardo and maybe even a defensive midfielder to cover Song), but which of our youngsters will get anointed with a symbolic number of 32 or below?