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Mesut Ozil, Olivier Giroud and Laurent Koscielny will sit out Arsenal 's Premier League opener with Liverpool.

The key trio have not returned to training following their respective Euro 2016 campaigns with Germany and France.

The absences leave manager Arsene Wenger short at the back and up top, with Per Mertesacker already on the long-term injury list.

Theo Walcott may be thrown in up front ahead of Chuba Akpom, despite recently announcing his intention to play out wide, after his goal in the Gunners' 8-0 win over Viking FK .

After beating the Norwegian side in pre-season, Wenger said: "The Liverpool game will come too early for them (Ozil, Giroud and Koscielny)."

(Image: David Price)

(Image: Daniel Kopatsch)

With Arsenal's two senior centre-backs ruled out it leaves the door open for two of Gabriel, Calum Chambers and new boy Rob Holding to start in defence.

There is some positive news for Arsenal though, regarding Jack Wilshere.

The midfielder suffered a knee injury last week and will play no part against Man City on Sunday.

(Image: Getty)

However, Wenger is confident he will be fit for next weekend's clash.

"[Jack] Wilshere has started to run today so it’s very short-term. He will train with us next week," confirmed Wenger.