Granit Xhaka is a doubt for Arsenal’s first home game of the new season against Burnley having suffered bruising to his lower back and leg in the win over Newcastle United.
The Swiss, who captained the side at St James’ Park, still has another 24 hours to prove his fitness. We’re well-stocked in midfield, so even if the 26-year-old doesn’t make it, the likes of Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi, Joe Willock and Dani Ceballos are on standby.
Judging by the Arsenal medical team’s latest bulletin, we can assume that Alex Lacazette is fit for selection. The Frenchman was left on the bench last weekend as a precaution having picked up an ankle injury in pre-season.
Having had another week to train in their new surroundings, the likes of Nicolas Pepe and David Luiz should also be options to start. It’s not clear yet, whether the ongoing security situation affecting Sead Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil will rule them out. It’s likely we’ll get an update in Emery’s press conference later.
Rob Holding is a week closer to full fitness but is unlikely to feature for a few more weeks. Hector Bellerin, another working his way back from ACL surgery, is another seven weeks behind the centre-back.
Kieran Tierney, Dinos Mavropanos and Emile Smith Rowe are all out with groin injuries. The Scot and Greek are pencilled in to return to first team training in October.