Arsenal defender Rob Holding one of seven players missing from squad to face Nurnberg

Arsenal have named their matchday squad to face Nurnberg in their opening pre-season friendly - and there's a few notable omissions.

Arsenal take on the German club at the Max-Morlock-Stadion in their first warm-up match ahead of the 2023-24 campaign, with Mikel Arteta naming a strong starting line-up for the match.

Aaron Ramsdale started in goal behind a back four of Ben White, Gabriel, William Saliba - who returned after a long spell on the sidelines through injury - and Jakub Kiwior.

Thomas Partey, Leandro Trossard and Fabio Vieira were named in midfield, with the latter replacing Martin Odegaard, who picked up a knock ahead of kick-off. Meanwhile, Arteta fielded a front three of Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah.

However, there was no place in the starting line-up for new signing Kai Havertz, who was named on the bench following his £65million move from Chelsea.

And a number of players were missing from the squad entirely.

Holding and co missing from Arsenal squad

Oleksandr Zinchenko, Mohamed Elneny, Gabriel Martinelli, Rob Holding, Alex Runarsson, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Marquinhos were all absent from Arsenal's squad to face Nurnberg.

At present it is uncertain why some players are missing from the warm-up game. Indeed, it emerged two weeks ago that Holding was set for a shock loan move to Besiktas, however talk of the transfer has since died down.

Runarsson, who has not played a competitive game for the Gunners since 2021, may potentially be on the cusp of a transfer, having been linked with a move away from the Emirates, while Marquinhos could also be set for another loan, having spent a part of last term at Norwich.

It had been claimed ahead of the game that Arteta was sweating on the fitness of Martinelli, Zinchenko, Elneny and Tomiyasu and it appears none of them were deemed fit enough to take part.