Arsenal open their campaign against Newcastle at Saint James Park as they look to get a morale-boosting win. However, manager Unai Emery will be without many of his stars due to injuries and security threats.
Midfield maestro Mesut Ozil and defender Sead Kolasinac have been ruled out due to security concerns after the pair were the subject of a carjacking attempt last month.
The Gunners confirmed yesterday that a decision had been made in conjunction with the police not to include the pair for the game.
Arsenal also have major injury concerns with a number of players currently in the treatment room. Right-back Hector Bellerin leads the list as he is not expected to be back until October as he recovers from a knee injury.
New signing Kieran Tierney is also recovering from a groin injury suffered last season and is not expected to be back for another month.
Defender Rob Holding is back in training but is yet to be passed match fit while forward Alexandre Lacazette is also a major doubt due to a niggling ankle injury.
Not all is gloomy as Brazilian defender David Luiz is expected to make his debut in the game while record signing Nicolas Pepe could start from the bench.
