Arsenal visit St James' Park to face Newcastle United on Sunday as they enter the 2019-20 campaign on the back of a mixed pre-season.
The Gunners claimed wins over Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, but have more recently suffered defeats to Lyon and Barcelona as questions loom over their backline.
Unai Emery will hope to have secured a central defender ahead of the meeting with Steve Bruce's side as the North London outfit make late bids for Dayot Upamecano and Daniele Rugani.
Here, Sports Mole rounds up Arsenal's latest injury and suspension news ahead of their trip to Tyneside.
© Reuters
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: September 30 (vs. Manchester United)
Bellerin has been out of action for Arsenal since January 19 after suffering severe damage to his knee ligaments during Arsenal's 2-0 win over Chelsea at the Emirates. However, the full-back is ahead of schedule in his recovery process and has set his sights on returning to full fitness by the end of September.
© Reuters
Status: Slight doubt
Type of injury: Ankle
Possible return date: August 11 (vs. Newcastle United)
Lacazette picked up an ankle injury during a defeat to Lyon at the Emirates on July 28 and has subsequently missed Arsenal's final pair of pre-season fixtures. Speaking on Sunday, Emery was hopeful that the Frenchman would be fit for the clash, but emphasised that the medical staff would make a late decision.
© Reuters
Status: Doubt
Type of injury: Fitness
Possible return date: August 11 (vs. Newcastle United)
The club's record signing, who arrived at the Emirates last month for £72m, has been granted additional leave following his involvement in Ivory Coast's campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations over the summer. Emery has stated that Pepe's workload in training will steadily increase but the fact that the 24-year-old did not play a pre-season game over the summer indicates that he probably won't feature at Newcastle.
© Reuters
Status: Slight doubt
Type of injury: Knock
Possible return date: August 11 (vs. Newcastle United)
Arsenal's new loan signing from Real Madrid came on for the last 20 minutes against Barcelona on Sunday but was forced off following a nasty tackle from Clement Lenglet. It was confirmed after the game that he would not be able to train with the team for a few days and it remains unclear if he will recover in time for the weekend.
© Reuters
Status: Out
Type of injury: Muscle
Possible return date: Unknown
Mavropanos will not play any part against Newcastle as he continues to regain match fitness following an injury-hit 2018-19 campaign, but supporters will be encouraged by his presence on the bench against Barcelona last weekend.
© Reuters
Status: Out
Type of injury: Knee
Possible return date: September 15 (vs. Watford)
Holding picked up a knee ligament injury during a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford back in December but has made good progress in his rehabilitation, featuring for the club's Under 23s against Watford last weekend. He is expected to make a full return to fitness by mid-September
ARSENAL'S SUSPENSION LIST
Arsenal have no players suspended for this match.
Leo Nieboer
