Arsenal have been missing NINE first team players, including Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard due to injury, illness and visa issues, meaning Mikel Arteta could soon have ‘new’ XI to calm fans with Kieran Trippier also targeted

Arsenal could be an entirely new proposition for opponents once they welcome back their first missing first team players.

As many as nine, including captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and midfielder Thomas Partey, are currently missing through illness and injury.

4

The Gunners began the season with a depleted squad that has made manager Mikel Arteta's job considerably tougher with a backlash from fans to contend with, too.

As well as Aubameyang and Partey, the Spaniard is without Alexandre Lacazette, Ben White, Gabriel and Hector Bellerin.

New signing Martin Odegaard, meanwhile, was forced to miss the 2-0 defeat to Chelsea with a visa issue, which has now been sorted.

Other fringe players such as goalkeeper Eddie Nketiah and winger Willian are also unavailable however, the latter's future at Arsenal could soon be over with a on the cards.

Losses to those key players as well as successive 2-0 defeats to London rivals Brentford and Chelsea has made Arsenal's start to the season a nightmare, however it will surely come to an end some time soon.

4

Despite a dismal start to the campaign, Arteta is still optimistic: "We were missing nine big, big, players and I see a lot of positives," he said after the Chelsea game.

"It’s a difficult moment but I saw a good reaction to falling behind. My team are playing with a lot of courage. They are trying their best."

With that said, the Gunners could be set to field an entirely new line up very soon and one that should help the club turn around its fortunes.

And they need it with a game against Premier League champions - live on talkSPORT - up next on Saturday.

4

Partey sustained an injury to ligaments in his right ankle during the friendly match against Chelsea on 1 August and the club hope to have him back in training by the end of August.

A positive COVID test ruled Aubameyang out of the first game of the season and he managed to play 30 minutes against Chelsea. Lacazette, though, has recovered from the illness and is back in full training.

In addition, interest in defender Kieran Trippier is being revived but the sticking point is the price Atletico Madrid are said to be asking for.

The Sun report the LaLiga champions are seeking his £34million release clause but with less than a year left on his contract, Arsenal see an entirely different valuation.

4

However, both Hector Bellerin and Ainsley Maitland-Niles have made it clear they are ready to leave and Arteta could find himself with a new right-back when the transfer window closes.

With a completely new line-up, not only can Arsenal get some points on the board but they would also be add mix experience with several of their younger players.

Emile Smith-Rowe has been one of the few shining lights for the club so far this season and recent gold winner at the Olympics, Gabriel Martinelli is highly thought of, while there is new signing Albert Lokonga.

One thing is for certain is that Arteta will desperately wants these players back to ensure the pressure is alleviated and his side can start climbing the table.

Download talkSPORT Edge NOW!

It's the free football app that keeps you one step ahead of your mates with short, sharp and shareable content.

Whether it's goals as they go in or the latest from your club, stay up to date with everything going on in football with breaking news, live scores and in-app betting.

.