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Football London
Football London
Sport
James Benge

The reason why Sead Kolasinac and Mesut Ozil are not in the squad to face Newcastle United

Arsenal take on Newcastle United in their opening game of the new Premier League season on Sunday.

But Unai Emery has travelled to the north east without two key players from his squad.

Duo Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac will not travel to Newcastle for the team's opening game of the season after "further security incidents".

Ozil and Kolasinac fought off two men wielding knives last month in an attack in Golders' Green, north London, and have now been the subject of another incident.

A spokesperson for Arsenal said: "Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac will not be part of the squad for our opening match against Newcastle United following further security incidents which are being investigated by the police.

"The welfare of our players and their families is always a top priority and we have taken this decision following discussion with the players and their representatives. We are liaising with the police and are providing the players and their families with ongoing support.

"We look forward to welcoming the players back to the squad as soon as possible.We will not be making any further comment on the matter."

The two players were targeted by carjackers last month, with security footage showing Kolasinac fighting off attackers. Both players were unhurt after the incident.

Neither Ozil nor Kolasinac played in the Emirates Cup friendly against Lyon a few days later.

football.london understands there have been several incidents in recent days involving Ozil and Kolasinac in the area near their homes. Both players are unharmed and safe.

Police told football.london they are waiting for a formal report from the players over the incidents.

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