Here is the Arsenal morning digest for Saturday, September 12.
Hargreaves provides warning over Arsenal’s new defenders
Owen Hargreaves has warned that it could take some time to see the very best from William Saliba and Gabriel given the pair’s lack of Premier League experience.
The defensive duo are rated as two of Arsenal’s best centre-backs right now and look set to play a big role under Mikel Arteta. However, Hargreaves believes that it may take some time for them to find their feet.
He said: “I think the biggest one is defensively. He’s signed a super player in Saliba, even though he’s young and Gabriel is another really good player. He’s competitive, he’s aggressive.
“But the only problem is that these two guys that he’s signed don’t really know this division. Getting centre-backs to come to this league and adapt takes time.
“Even for the great ones, we saw it with Nemanja Vidic even.”
Tierney makes claim amid Bellerin speculation
Kieran Tierney has explained how fellow full-back Hector Bellerin was one of the first Arsenal players to help him adjust to his move from Celtic last summer.
The Scotland international has not featured as much as he would have liked in north London due to injury but now looks set for a successful 2020/21 campaign.
Amid rumours linking Bellerin with a move away from the Emirates Stadium, Tierney had nothing but good things to say about the 25-year-old.
“Hector was the first one who kind of put his arm around me,” he told Ian Wright on his AFamilyThing series .
“He’s brilliant and helped me massively.
“Then when I got back more training involved it was like Rob Holding and Calum Chambers, kind of the English boys who helped me as well.”
Injury update issued ahead of Fulham opener
Arsenal will be without David Luiz, Emile Smith Rowe and Sokratis for today’s Premier League opener against Fulham.
Arteta’s side will start the season against Scott Parker’s newly-promoted side in the lunchtime kick-off this afternoon but will be without three first team players, the club has confirmed.
An official club statement said on Luiz: "Neck spasm. Currently being assessed and undergoing treatment with good response. Will miss Saturday’s match at Fulham."
Meanwhile, Sokratis (calf) and Smith Rowe (shoulder) will also miss out as the rest of the squad head to Craven Cottage this afternoon.
