Double injury blow for Arsenal as Oleksandr Zinchenko suffers 'more serious' problem than Martin Odegaard

Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko was forced to miss the club's game against Nurnberg through injury, it has been claimed.

Mikel Arteta named a strong starting line-up for their first pre-season friendly ahead of the new campaign.

Aaron Ramsdale started between the sticks behind a back four of Ben White, Gabriel, William Saliba - who returned after a fourth months out through injury - and Jakub Kiwior.

Thomas Partey, Leandro Trossard and Fabio Vieira were named in midfield, while Bukayo Saka, Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah made up the front line.

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

There were also several important Arsenal players absent from the game entirely, which has caused anxiety among the club's fanbase.

Zinchenko and Odegaard injuries

Several players were suprisingly absent from Arsenal's first warm-up game against German side Nurnberg.

According to Football London, Rob Holding misses out on the game due to muscle tightness. The 27-year-old had been named in the squad for the match at the Max-Morlock Stadion, and his absence is thought to be purely a precautionary measure.

Meanwhile, Marquinhos, who had scored in the behind closed doors friendly against Watford, was also initially in the squad, but has since picked up a knock.

However the publication claimed that Zinchenko has a "more serious" issue, having been struggling with a calf problem and the Ukrainian could be out for the next two pre-season games.

Meanwhile, club captain Martin Odegaard was set to start against Nurnberg, only to pick up a slight knock in the warm up and pull out.

The Norwegian was replaced by Fabio Vieira in the line-up while Gabriel Magalhaes was named team captain in Odegaard's absence.