Arsenal head into their opening game of the season against Newcastle with a number of injury concerns. Up to three of the Gunners’ summer signings could miss out due to fitness problems.

Kieran Tierney will not feature at St James’ Park. The Scottish international has not taken any part in pre-season after undergoing a double hernia operation this summer. He is still suffering inflammation which makes it hard to train but he should be back in action within the next couple of weeks.

Nicolas Pepe played for Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations and returned late for pre-season. He’s unlikely to start versus Newcastle due to a lack of match fitness but could feature in the squad.

Dani Ceballos is also a doubt after picking up a knock, while Alexandre Lacazette is also in a race to be fit after picking up an ankle injury in the friendly against Lyon.

Konstantinos Mavropanos will not be in the squad due to a muscular problem and Rob Holding (ACL) is only expected to be back to full fitness next month.

Similarly, Hector Bellerin will have to wait to make his return to the side, with the end of September being pencilled in as a return date from his own knee injury.