Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger admits he is facing a ‘very frustrating’ defensive crisis ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League opener against Liverpool.

Last season’s runners up will get their campaign underway against Jurgen Klopp’s side at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

But the Gunners are not in the best shape ahead of the clash following pre-season injuries to Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista, while Laurent Koscielny is also unlikely to feature having returned late to pre-season following Euro 2016.

It leaves Wenger worryingly short of options and without a much-needed experienced head at the back.

And while the Frenchman revealed the club are ‘working’ on bolstering his defence before the transfer window shuts, he has ruled out dipping into the market before Sunday’s game and insists he must find an ‘internal solution’.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Wenger said: “We’ve had two unexpected injuries with Mertesacker and Gabriel, and Koscielny came back very late so we are in a difficult position for Sunday’s game against Liverpool.

“This is very frustrating, but it’s a part of the game as well.

“Sometimes you find a solution that you wouldn’t find if you had no injuries.

“We are short on the experience front and this, centre-back, is a position where experience plays an important part.

“Of course we will look to add, we are working on it, but until Sunday I have to find an internal solution and an efficient solution.”

That could mean a surprise Premier League debut for 20-year-old Rob Holding, who only joined the club from League One Bolton for £2million in July.

Currently the club’s only fit recognised centre-back, Holding could be the only option for Arsenal, but Wenger is confident in his ability.

“He’s done extremely well,” the Gunners boss added.

“That’s part of the game as well, you want the spectacular players to come to the Premier League, but that means young players lose that opportunity to get a chance. Arsenal are one of the clubs who still have the guts to do that.

“I know it’s more glamorous to sign a £60m player than to give a chance to a young player, but in my job you have to look and focus on the quality of the player, and not just the numbers.”