Arsene Wenger could have a defensive crisis on his hands ahead of the new Premier League season after Per Mertesacker was forced off against Chelsea with a head injury.
The German centre-back started Arsenal's Community Shield clash against their London rivals Chelsea at Wembley but lasted just 27 minutes after a collision with Gary Cahill left blood streaming down his face.
The incident, which appeared accidental, resulted in Wenger being forced to bring off Mertesacker for summer signing Sead Kolasinac.
Mertesacker's absence could throw a spanner in the works for the Arsenal manager ahead of the Gunners' first league match of the season against Leicester next Friday.
Laurent Koscielny, who did not make Wenger's matchday squad against Chelsea, is suspended for the game against Leicester at the King Power Stadium while Gabriel has only just returned to running following the injury he sustained against Everton back in May.
It means Shkodran Mustafi may have to be rushed back to action, with the defender having only returned to training last week following his extended break given for helping Germany win the Confederations Cup.
