Arsenal team news: William Saliba expected to make Gunners debut versus Liverpool in Community Shield
North London side booked their spot in the fixture by lifting the FA Cup earlier this month
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Arsenal take on Liverpool in the Community Shield at Wembley on Saturday as English football makes a swift return.
The Gunners booked their spot in the fixture by defeating Chelsea in the FA Cup final at the start of August, while Liverpool’s involvement comes following their Premier League title win – the first in the club’s history.
Arsenal have not had much time to prepare for Saturday’s game as a result of their FA Cup run, and predicting coach Mikel Arteta’s line-up will be somewhat of a guessing game.
Some players, including Emi Martinez, have had to quarantine after returning from holiday due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Although the goalkeeper is already back in training, Bernd Leno is expected to start ahead of him, having recovered from a serious knee injury.
Defender William Saliba could make his debut for the Gunners, with Rob Holding and Kieran Tierney possibly joining the 19-year-old in a back three.
Right-back Hector Bellerin missed Tuesday’s friendly against MK Dons, so Cedric Soares could be another player in line for a debut in the Spaniard’s place, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles could be deployed at left-back.
Midfielder Dani Ceballos’ loan from Real Madrid has come to an end, meaning Mohamed Elneny is set to start next to Granit Xhaka. Elneny spent last season on loan at Besiktas.
Alexandre Lacazette also missed out at MK Dons, while Eddie Nketiah could feature up front for the north London club.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is expected to captain the side from the left wing, with 18-year-old Bukayo Saka likely to play on the right.
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