Arsenal injury news: Updates on Pepe, Lacazette, Bellerin & more ahead of Newcastle

Arsenal have provided fitness updates on a number of players ahead of their Premier League opener against Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Sunday afternoon.

Alexandre Lacazette will need to be assessed ahead of the trip north as the French international missed our last two pre-season games with an ankle injury that he sustained during the Emirates Cup defeat to Lyon two weeks ago.

Nicolas Pepe is still working his way back to full match fitness having only recently returned to full training due to an extended break following his exploits for the Ivory Coast at the African Cup of Nations.

Fans are obviously keen to see our club record summer signing make his debut following his £72m move from Lille but Unai Emery will make a late decision over Pepe’s involvement against Newcastle.

Arsenal have also provided an update on Hector Bellerin and the right-back is continuing his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury with a view to returning to full training in October.

Rob Holding has also been recovering from his own knee ligament injury that he sustained last season but the defender is already back in full training – although he’s not likely to be risked just yet.

There is some disappointing news on Dinos Mavropanos as the club have revealed he’s been ruled out for at least another 6 weeks due to an on-going groin injury that’s hampered him for several months.

Young midfielder Emile Smith Rowe is also still working his way back from a groin injury but is expected back in first team training inside 2 weeks while Mohamed Elneny is still regaining full fitness after returning late to pre-season training.

A team news update on Arsenal.com read:

Alex Lacazette
Right ankle. Will continue to be assessed ahead of Sunday’s match at Newcastle.

Nicolas Pepe
Regaining full match fitness following late return from African Cup of Nations. Decision to be made on participation for Sunday.

Hector Bellerin
Left knee. Continuing with on-field rehabilitation. Aiming to participate in full training in October.

Rob Holding
Left knee. Continuing with on-field rehabilitation and now participating in full training with the first team.

Dinos Mavropanos
Groin. Continues to receive treatment and further assessment. Will be out of action for at least 6-8 weeks.

Emile Smith Rowe
Groin. Progressing well in training and aiming to re-join the first team squad in 1-2 weeks

Mohamed Elneny
Regaining full match fitness following late return from African Cup of Nations. Decision to be made on participation for Sunday.

Let’s hope Lacazette is passed fit as it would be a big blow to lose him for the opening game of the new season while it would be nice to see Pepe named on the bench after he joined the club earlier this week.

It will also be interesting to see whether David Luiz is involved after he completed a move from Chelsea on deadline day but fellow new recruit Kieran Tierney won’t make his debut yet as he’s still a couple of weeks away from recovering from injury.