Arsenal have confirmed that Mikel Arteta will be unable to select David Luiz, Emile Smith Rowe and Sokratis as he and his squad head to Fulham on Saturday [September 12].
David Luiz is understood to have sustained a neck problem during the Gunners' Community Shield win over Liverpool on August 29 and was absent from training this week.
"Neck spasm. Currently being assessed and undergoing treatment with good response. Will miss Saturday’s match at Fulham." read a statement on Arsenal's official website regarding the 33-year-old.
Despite having eight central defenders on the books, it has become a real area for concern with the amount of injuries suffered, and Sokratis is another to add to that list.
The Greek centre-back is understood not to be in Arteta's main plans for the 2020/21 season but with him injured, the Spaniard has just three natural centre-backs to choose from.
"Right calf. Sustained mild strain to right calf in training. Will miss Saturday’s match at Fulham. Aiming to integrate back into full training within the next week." the club statement added.
Smith Rowe was another absentee from training ahead of the Fulham game and it has been revealed that he picked up an injury to his right shoulder. This, however, isn't expected to be too major.
"Sustained an injury to his right shoulder in training. Protective sling will be removed by the end of next week and aiming to integrate back into training soon afterwards."
Amongst the bad injury news, the Gunners were also boosted by the fact that Pablo Mari is making strides in his road to recovery following his ankle injury in June.
The Spaniard is now back running outside and his hoping to return to full training by the end of September, Arsenal confirmed earlier on Friday [September 11].
"Now running outside and continues strengthening programme. Aiming to return to full training by the end of September." an official statement read.
