David Luiz is losing his battle to be fit for Arsenal’s Premier League opening day clash with Fulham.
The Athletic claim the veteran Gunners defender is struggling with a neck injury and has not been training ahead of Saturday’s encounter.
The report adds that Rob Holding, who was close to sealing a loan move to Newcastle, will now stay at the Emirates and is set to start against Fulham – with full commentary of the 12:30pm kick-off LIVE on talkSPORT as part of our GameDay coverage!
There could also be competitive debuts for William Saliba and £27million arrival Gabriel Magalhaes if Mikel Arteta chooses to play a back three.
Luiz is thought to have suffered the injury in Arsenal’s Community Shield win over Liverpool last month.
The Brazilian defender could be sidelined for six weeks.
The news comes as a blow to Arteta, who relied on Luiz in the latter stages of the 2019/20 season, which ended with a record 14th FA Cup triumph.
The 33-year-old joined Arsenal in an £8million deal from Chelsea last summer.
Despite an error-prone display in a 3-0 defeat to Man City in June, Luiz signed a one-year contract to extend his stay at the Emirates.
Since then, he has been an integral part of Arteta’s team.
talkSPORT brings you full LIVE commentary of the 12:30pm encounter between Fulham and Arsenal as part of our GameDay coverage.
