Arsenal could be without David Luiz for their opening match against Fulham this Saturday, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.
The 33-year-old centre-back may be out of action for a lengthy period due to a neck injury. Luiz has not taken part in recent training sessions as a result.
David Luiz: Arsenal Set to Be Without Brazilian for Premier League Opener
Arsenal to Make Late Decision on Luiz
Despite the seriousness of the injury, Arsenal will decide on Luiz’s fitness prior to Saturday’s match against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Whether the Brazilian can play or not will depend on how he responds to treatment.
Luiz sustained the neck injury during Arsenal’s win over Liverpool in the Community Shield last month. The Brazilian defender aggravated the injury further, forcing him to withdraw from any preparations before Arsenal face Fulham.
If he is not fit enough to feature on Saturday, he could face a spell of up to six weeks on the sidelines in order to recover.
Luiz was central to Arsenal’s strong finish to the 2019/20 season. He featured in the final nine games of the season, where the Gunners lost just two games and lifted the FA Cup.
Alternatives for Mikel Arteta
The potential loss of Luiz will be causing concern for Mikel Arteta. His defensive options are already depleted; four of his current defenders remain sidelined with an injury.
Shkodran Mustafi is recovering from a thigh injury. Pablo Mari has also been ruled out with an ankle injury but is due back to full training this month.
Calum Chambers and Gabriel Martinelli also continue their recovery from long-term knee injuries, so will be absent for the foreseeable future.
New signing Gabriel Magalhães will likely feature, while the returning William Saliba, who was at St Etienne on loan last season, could also earn a shock call-up.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos is also available for Arteta and may make a rare appearance. The Greek defender has been out of favour since Arteta’s arrival, making just four league appearances.
Rob Holding was also set to join Newcastle United on loan after the Community Shield in August. However, Arsenal want to keep the 24-year-old amidst their current injury crisis at centre-back.
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