Wednesday 10 August 2016 17:03, UK
Arsenal's Euro 2016 stars have returned to training amid an injury crisis ahead of Sunday's Premier League opener against Liverpool.
Manager Arsene Wenger goes into the match - live on Sky Sports - without central defensive pair Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista which could mean a swift recall for Laurent Koscielny.
The France international, who helped his side reach the final of the Euros in Paris, was joined on the training ground on Wednesday by compatriot Olivier Giroud and Germany's Mesut Ozil.
Wenger, who originally claimed the trio would not be considered for action this weekend, may now look to draft in Koscielny with Gabriel (ankle) and Mertersacker (knee) a long way from full fitness.
Jack Wilshere, who played a bit-part role for England in France following an injury-hit campaign, believes Wenger has the cover at his disposal to cope with the absence of his central-defensive pairing.
Speaking to Sky Sports News HQ from the Premier League's launch event in Islingston, the midfielder said: "We have brought in Rob Holding, who has done great in pre-season, and we have another young centre-back in Calum Chambers."
But Wenger is likely to stick to his pre-match plan for Giroud, with Chuba Akpom, who scored in four successive pre-season friendlies, and Theo Walcott in fine form in front of goal.
Ozil's availability could be tempting for the Frenchman, who celebrates 20 years in charge of the club in September, but he is likely to be kept under wraps for the following week's trip to reigning champions Leicester.
