Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given an update on whether three of the club’s injured stars will be fit for the Premier League opener against Manchester United.
The Gunners get their new season underway at Old Trafford on August 17 as they look to end their lengthy wait for the title.
Arsenal were beaten 3-2 at home by Villarreal on Wednesday in their penultimate pre-season friendly, with Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard and Riccardo Calafiori all missing the game due to injury.
However, Arteta expressed hope that the trio will be available against United.
Asked about Havertz, who was absent against Villarreal due to a minor issue, Arteta, speaking in his post-match press conference, said: ‘Yesterday in training, he felt something and this morning he wasn’t quite right, so we decided to rest him.
‘I think it’s going to be a matter of a couple of days, hopefully the weekend, if everything goes to plan, I think he will be fit.’
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has given an update on three of the club’s injured stars
Kai Havertz was absent against Villarreal but could be fit to face Manchester United
Trossard and Calafiori both suffered injuries during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia but Arteta is confident that they will soon be back available.
Arteta said: ‘Yes, the three that we lost during the tour, it was big Gabi, Leo and Ricky, and for Saturday I think both of them have a chance if everything in the next few days evolves in the way it has been evolving in the last few days.’
Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber returned to action against Villarreal, while Gabriel Jesus remains sidelined with a long-term problem.
Reiss Nelson, Karl Hein and Fabio Vieira, who could all potentially leave the club before the closure of the transfer window, weren’t in the squad against Villarreal.
Arsenal will conclude their pre-season preparations on Saturday when they host Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup.
Arteta’s side endured much misfortune with injuries last season and will be hoping for better luck on that6 front this campaign.
It has been a busy summer for Arsenal in the transfer market, with Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga all joining the club.
There could be further arrivals, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze having been heavily linked with a move to the Gunners.
Leandro Trossard, who suffered an injury during the Asia tour, could also soon be back
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In Wednesday’s friendly, Nicolas Pepe gave Villarreal the lead against his old club before Etta Eyong made it 2-0.
Norgaard’s header reduced the deficit for Arsenal but Arnaut Danjuma put Villarreal 3-1 up prior to Martin Odegaard scoring a penalty.
Villarreal also prevailed in a penalty shootout after the game.
