Arsenal XI v Brentford: Balogun, Lokonga in; Aubameyang, Lacazette out

Standard

Arsenal are without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette for the opening game of the new Premier League season this evening, meaning Folarin Balogun and Albert Sambi Lokonga start against Brentford.

It emerged on Friday afternoon that Aubameyang and Lacazette were not available for the game against Brentford because they are unwell – and that means Balogun and Gabriel Martinelli start in attack.

England forward Bukayo Saka, who returned to training last week after being on holiday post-Euro 2020,is on the bench, while there are also Premier League debuts for summer signings Ben White and Sambi Lakonga.

The pair, who signed for Arsenal in the summer, are both fully fit and start the top-flight opener in west London.

Fellow new signing Nuno Tavares is among the subs, with Kieran Tierney starting ahead of him at left-back.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will have to cope without Eddie Nketiah (ankle), Gabriel (knee) and Thomas Partey (ankle).

Arsenal XI: Leno, Chambers, White, Pablo Mari, Tierney, Sambi Lokonga, Xhaka, Pepe, Smith-Rowe, Martinelli, Balogun

Subs: Bellerin, Saka, Maitland-Niles, Holding, Cedric, Tavares, Nelson, Elneny, Hein

Tonight 8.0…