Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta is sweating over the conditions of several players ahead of Saturday's Premier League opener at home to Nottingham Forest.
The Gunners are sure to be without Gabriel Jesus as he recuperates from knee surgery, while Mohamed Elneny is yet to make his return from a similar procedure undertaken in January.
Furthermore, all of Reiss Nelson (toe), Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf), Folarin Balogun (foot), Jorginho (muscle) and Albert Sambi Lokonga (muscle) sat out the win over Manchester City in the Community Shield, and Gooners are eagerly awaiting updates on the quintet's condition.
Ahead of the expected arrival of David Raya from Brentford, Aaron Ramsdale will begin the campaign as Arsenal's number one, while Jurrien Timber should hold the fort at left-back if Zinchenko is still struggling with his calf issue.
Ben White, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes should complete a formidable rearguard, while Declan Rice will be expected to make his Premier League debut for the Gunners, potentially in the advanced midfield position that Arteta has trialled in pre-season.
Thomas Partey could provide the defensive presence if that is the case, while Martin Odegaard will captain the side from his recognisable midfield role, potentially forcing Kai Havertz to accept a spot on the bench.
The ex-Chelsea man started up top at Wembley last weekend, but Leandro Trossard - who enjoyed a stellar pre-season - may have done enough to start in between Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli after his late equaliser in the Community Shield.
Arsenal possible starting lineup: Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber; Odegaard, Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
Ben Knapton
