Rob Holding is set to start in Arsenal’s first Premier League game of the season against Fulham as David Luiz is a huge doubt due to a neck injury, according to reports.
Holding was expected to join Newcastle United on loan this summer window but Mikel Arteta has reversed that decision and wants to keep the 24-year-old defender in his team.
It is believed that Arteta has been impressed by Holding during the club’s pre-season preparations and the player will be given the opportunity to challenge for a regular role in the team.
According to The Athletic, Rob Holding is now in line to start Arsenal’s Premier League opener as David Luiz is struggling to overcome a neck injury.
The report claims that Luiz suffered the injury in Arsenal’s win over Liverpool in the Community Shield and the issue has been aggravated in training since their victory at Wembley.
David Luiz could now be sidelined for up to six weeks and the gunners’ medical staff want to treat the injury with ‘particular caution’.
The defender’s injury also opens the door for William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes to make their Premier League debuts at the Emirates.
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Saliba has taken part in a full pre-season camp with the London club but the 19-year-old defender did not start in the game against Liverpool on August 29.
Gabriel, meanwhile, hasn’t played a competitive football match since March as Lille’s Ligue 1 season was cut short due to the coronavirus crisis.
Mustafi, Pablo Mari and Chambers are all unavailable due to injuries. And Arsenal will begin their Premier League season against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
