Mesut Ozil and Emiliano Martinez were both left out of the Arsenal squad entirely for their Premier League opener against Fulham.
Ozil has been out of favour under Mikel Arteta since the Premier League restart but has insisted he will not leave the club until his contract ends next summer.
Martinez, meanwhile, impressed in place of Bernd Leno when the Premier League resumed but has missed out with the German back from his knee injury.
And with Martinez linked with a switch to top flight rivals Aston Villa or Brighton, he was not included in the squad to head to Craven Cottage with youngster Matt Macey on the bench.
Arteta had to shuffle his pack with David Luiz amongst those ruled out through injury and unusual pre-season preparation after the quick turnaround.
Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta said: "We have a few issues around the squad and that's something normal that we try to adapt.
"We've been trying with the players that we have fit at the moment, it's not ideal to start the season with key players out. But again, we have enough players, really good players and tomorrow we will put the best possible plan to win our first game."
Arteta opted to hand debuts to new signings Gabriel Magalhaes and Willian, with Mohamed Elneny also starting in midfield.
On the subject of Gabriel and fellow new boy Willian - having completed his switch from Chelsea last month - Arteta said on Friday: "They have been training really well.
On the subject of Gabriel and fellow new boy Willian - having completed his switch from Chelsea last month - Arteta said on Friday: "They have been training really well.
"They have adapted quickly. They are really excited to be here with us, really good energy from both of them. Big talent, both in very different phases of their career.
"They have adapted quickly. They are really excited to be here with us, really good energy from both of them. Big talent, both in very different phases of their career.
"One is already very established in the Premier League with incredible quality. And another one that has to adapt to this league but has huge potential to become a key player for us in the future.
Arsenal : Leno, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Bellerin, Elneny, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles, Willian, Lacazette, Aubameyang.
Subs : Macey, Kolasinac, Ceballos, Willock, Saka, Pepe, Nketiah.
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