Man United vs Arsenal: 6 Top Players at Risk of Missing the Premier League Opener
- Six key players from both Manchester United and Arsenal could be absent when the two sides clash in the Premier League opener
- The Red Devils will host the Gunners at Old Trafford in a match that promises excitement and intensity
- Mikel Arteta and Ruben Amorim will need to rethink their game plans and adjust their line-ups to cope with the potential absences
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Manchester United’s clash with Arsenal will headline the Premier League’s opening weekend, but as many as six key players could be missing when the two sides meet on Sunday.
Old Trafford will provide the stage for what promises to be a thrilling encounter as the 2025-26 campaign gets underway.
United head into the new term seeking redemption after a dismal 2024-25 season that saw them finish 15th in the table.
Source: Getty Images
Arsenal, meanwhile, will be pushing to go one better after finishing runners-up once again last season. The stakes are high, with both clubs eager to make an early statement.
Clashes between these two giants are always charged with intensity, and this one will be no different.
Arsenal will be aiming to send an early title warning, while United will want to prove they can compete again at the top.
Last season’s meeting at Old Trafford ended 1-1, and United have not beaten the Gunners in the league since September 2022, per Sports Mole.
Four key Man United players in doubt for Arsenal Clash
Manchester United could be without several important names when they open their Premier League campaign against Arsenal.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana remains a major concern after missing the entire pre-season with a hamstring injury, leaving him in a race against time to be fit for Sunday’s showdown.
Ruben Amorim is facing a backline crisis, with Lisandro Martínez still sidelined.
The Argentine centre-back, who has battled persistent fitness problems, joined the squad on their US tour but has yet to be given a return date.
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Noussair Mazraoui is another doubt, having not featured in training since being forced off at half-time against Leeds in Stockholm last month.
Forward Joshua Zirkzee is also uncertain to feature. The Dutch striker had set his sights on returning for the season opener, but his involvement remains in doubt.
Arsenal’s potential absentees for United clash
Arsenal will be keen to start their Premier League campaign on a strong note, with Mikel Arteta’s squad possibly featuring several fresh signings.
New striker Viktor Gyokeres is tipped to lead the line, offering a timely boost given the continued absence of Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian forward remains sidelined with a serious knee injury sustained earlier in 2025, forcing Arsenal to seek attacking reinforcements and ultimately secure Gyökeres.
Source: Getty Images
Without Jesus, the Gunners have relied on other options to spearhead their attack.
Leandro Trossard has been one of those stepping up, but the Belgian’s fitness is also in question.
He missed Saturday’s 3-0 pre-season win over Athletic Bilbao, though Arteta is hopeful he could recover in time to feature against Manchester United.
Sesko explains why he chose Man United
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Benjamin Sesko has opened up on the reason he rejected Newcastle to sign for Premier League rivals Manchester United.
In recent weeks, both Newcastle and the Red Devils battled for the 22-year-old’s signature.
Source: YEN.com.gh
