Mikel Arteta has explained why Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Ben White and Fabio Vieira all missed Arsenal's pre-season win over Everton.
The Gunners got their tour of the United States off to the perfect start, with new signing Gabriel Jesus breaking the deadlock in the 33rd minute before Hale End academy graduate Bukayo Saka doubled the lead three minutes later. The score ended 2-0 but some fans were concerned by the fact that multiple first-team players were not included in the matchday squad.
Now, manager Arteta has confirmed that the aforementioned quintet all missed the match because of injury. Speaking after the win against the Toffees, he said: "We have Kieran [Tierney] with a slight problem, we have Emile [Smith Rowe] with a muscular niggle, Tomiyasu as well and Ben [White].