David Luiz could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after aggravating a neck injury which looks to have at least ruled him out of Saturday’s season opener at Fulham.

The Brazilian defender was in line to start Arsenal’s first fixture of the 2020/21 campaign but has been unable to join in with full training so far this week.

He is now a doubt to make the squad for the Craven Cottage clash, and his fitness is expected to have a knock-on effect to Arsenal’s transfer business.

As per reports from The Athletic, Luiz’s injury could force him out for up to six weeks.

Defender Rob Holding’s proposed loan move to Newcastle is now set to be cancelled in order to cover for Luiz’s absence.

The reports suggest Holding would have been kept at Arsenal irrespective of the injury to Luiz as Mikel Arteta wants him as an option at centre-back this season.

Arsenal now have several players in that position though, following the arrivals of William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, in addition to Shkodran Mustafi and Pablo Mari, while others can also play in that role.

Holding was thought to be close to completing a season-long switch to Newcastle, but in a complete U-turn the 24-year-old could now start for Arsenal on Saturday.

Arteta will wait as long as possible before making a final decision on Luiz to see how the 33-year-old responds to treatment.

The Gunners’ boss also has Sokratis in his ranks but the Greek international is among the stars expected to leave Arsenal this summer.

Lyon’s sporting director Juninho Pernambucano revealed Guendouzi had been offered to them but he is not a player they wish to sign.

source:- fcnaija