Arsenal are preparing for their first game of the season which comes against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
The Gunners are heading into the new season hopeful that they can finally get over the line and win a league title under Mikel Arteta. The past three seasons they finished third, and so, Arteta will hope that this time, they can do one better.
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Big additions in the transfer window will help, as the likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke are expected to have impactful roles from the get-go.
They take on a Man United side who are hoping for improvement too, after a dismal 15th-placed finish last season in what was Ruben Amorim’s first year in charge of the club.
But who could be starting on Sunday, and who could miss out? There are injury concerns for both Arsenal and Man United.
Manchester United injury news
Ruben Amorim could be without four players for the game against Arsenal on Sunday, including a key starter. Firstly, Lisandro Martinez continues to recover from his ACL injury that he suffered in February. He isn’t expected to be back until October at the earliest.
Meanwhile, Noussair Mazraoui has also been ruled out of the game on Sunday, as he is dealing with a hamstring strain, which kept him out of United’s final pre-season match.
United have two names in doubt. The first is striker Joshua Zirkzee, who is dealing with a minor injury that he suffered in pre-season. He is currently being assessed ahead of Sunday. If he is to be fit, Zirkzee would likely be on the bench anyway.
Finally, starting goalkeeper Andre Onana is also a doubt, meaning Amorim could be forced to play his backup Altay Bayindir. Onana has a thigh injury, but looks more likely to play than not. He said last week: “I feel good, I feel great. It’s been a few difficult weeks, but yeah, hopefully, I will be back for the start of the season.”
Arsenal injury news
The Gunners could be without two names for their trip to Old Trafford, with one ruled out and one in doubt.
Firstly, Gabriel Jesus continues to recover from his ACL injury that he suffered in January; he is expected to miss a good chunk of the season before he becomes available again. A return in November looks to be the earliest potential appearance for the former Man City star.
Leandro Trossard is a doubt for the game on Sunday too. The Belgian winger is dealing with a groin issue. Mikel Arteta spoke on him to the media last weekend, he said: “I think he is going to be [OK] in a few days. He had a little niggle in the groin – but he should be fine.”
Trossard is expected to return, but even if he does, the 30-year-old will likely start on the bench anyway, with Saka and Martinelli the likely first choices on the wings.
Click here to see our predicted XI for the Gunners on Sunday.