Injury Woes Hit Arsenal as Two Key Players Ruled Out of Final Game Before New Season Begins

Jurrien Timber and Fabio Vieira have been ruled out of Arsenal's final pre-season game against Lyon due to minor injuries, the club has confirmed.

The Gunners begin the new Premier League season against Wolves next Saturday but are back in north London for Emirates Cup action against the Ligue 1 side on Sunday afternoon.

Mikel Arteta named a strong starting XI including England stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka with Timber and Vieira not involved.

Arsenal confirmed Vieira misses out with a hip issue with Timber’s issue a ‘slight’ foot problem.

Timber’s absence will be a slight concern for Arsenal fans after his injury-hit first season at the club.

The versatile defender joined the club from Ajax in a £38m deal last summer but suffered a major knee injury in the opening game of the 2023-24 season against Nottingham Forest.

An anterior cruciate ligament injury saw him miss almost the entire campaign, returning off the bench in the final game of the season against Everton in May.

Timber was part of the Arsenal squad that travelled to the US for their pre-season tour, playing against Bournemouth and Manchester United but missing the defeat to Liverpool.

The 23-year-old also missed this week’s friendly game against Bayer Leverkusen with reports suggesting he has been struggling with a ‘load-bearing’ injury – one that is not thought to be related to his previous knee issues.

Summer signing Riccardo Calafiori meanwhile is Sunday’s squad for the friendly clash with Lyon with the Italy international hoping to make his first appearance for the club following a £42million move from Bologna.

Eddie Nketiah meanwhile is also among the substitutes despite growing speculation over his future at the club.

Marseille have been in talks with Arsenal over the striker for a number of weeks but the Ligue 1 side have been reluctant to meet a £30m asking price.