Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette will miss Arsenal’s opening game of the Premier League season tonight.
The Athletic understands both forwards are not available for Friday’s game against Brentford as they are unwell. Aubameyang played in all six of Arsenal’s pre-season games, while Lacazette’s absence is a further blow.
Aubameyang had a difficult season last campaign but still managed to score 15 goals in 39 appearances for the north London side.
Arsenal will be hoping to improve on last season this time around. They struggled in the Premier League and only managed to finish eighth in the division, although they did end the season with five straight victories. They won two of their six pre-season games, against Watford and Millwall.
Arteta has been backed in the transfer market this summer, with Arsenal making three senior signings. Nuno Tavares has joined from Benfica, with midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga coming in from Anderlecht. Arsenal also spent around £50 million on Brighton’s Ben White.