Arsenal visit Old Trafford for their Premier League opener.placeholder image
Arsenal visit Old Trafford for their Premier League opener. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Early injury news and updates ahead of Arsenal’s trip to Old Trafford on the opening day
After a summer of anticipation, the new Premier League season is set to get underway up and down the country this weekend. Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal take a trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday.
This makes for a very intriguing fixture, as both clubs have spent big money in the transfer window over the summer with particularly marquee signings to look out for in the shape of strikers Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko. Once a primary target for the Gunners, Sesko has now joined United while Gyokeres picked the Emirates over the Red Devils. It will be interesting to see which frontman comes out on top as both are expected to make their Premier League debut at Old Trafford.
Both clubs largely have a fully-fit squad to choose from, with just a couple of injury concerns for each over the summer months. We have had a look at some early injury updates ahead of the opening day clash on Sunday.
Arsenal early injury news ahead of trip to Old Trafford
Gabriel Jesus - out: Remaining on the sidelines is Brazilian forward Gabriel Jesus, who has been out of action since sustaining an ACL injury against United themselves in the FA Cup back in January. While a return date is not yet known, it is believed that Jesus has made good progress with his rehabilitation over the summer and may return from injury later this autumn. That is if he is still an Arsenal player, as the 28-year-old has been linked with a move back to Brazil.
Leandro Trossard - fit: Though he was absent from the matchday squad for Arsenal’s final pre-season game against Athletic Club, Mikel Arteta is confident that Leandro Trossard will be fit to return to action in the Gunners’ Premier League opening fixture. Arteta said: “I think he is going to be [okay] in a few days. He had a little niggle in the groin - but he should be fine.”
Man United team news for fixture against Arsenal
Andre Onana - fit: Goalkeeper Andre Onana has not featured in pre-season after suffering a hamstring injury, but the Cameroon international has targeted a return for the Red Devils’ opening Premier League fixture and is expected to start against Arsenal after recently returning to goalkeeper training at Carrington.
Lisandro Martinez - out: After sustaining an ACL injury against Crystal Palace in February, Lisandro Martinez has endured an extended period on the sidelines but recently returned to training on grass. The beginning of the season comes too soon for him but he will aim to be back in the coming months, with no specific timeline yet given by the club.
Noussair Mazraoui - out: Set to remain on the sidelines is Noussair Mazraoui, who did not feature in United’s pre-season tour in the US due to a knock. He last featured against Leeds United in Stockholm in July and a return date is not yet known.
Joshua Zirkzee - fit: Also expected to return alongside Onana is Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee. He has been out for the whole of pre-season with an unspecified injury and recently stated he aims to be ready for the start of the new season, though he might only to be fit enough for a place amongst the substitutes.
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