ARSENAL are likely to be without Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette for their London derby against Chelsea.
But the Gunners are set to keep the pair after Tammy Abraham’s move to Roma.
Aubameyang, 32, and Lacazette, 30, were both sidelined in Arsenal’s opening day 2-0 defeat away to Premier League newcomers Brentford.
They were both ill, and according to The Times, they might not recover in time to return to training for Chelsea’s visit.
It is also claimed Arsenal were open to selling the duo, despite captain Aubameyang only signing a three-year deal, worth a reported £350,000-a-week, last year.
But Frenchman Lacazette is now in the final year of his Emirates deal, and able to negotiate a free transfer away in January.
Arsenal had registered an interest in Abraham, 23, who Chelsea allowed to leave after re-signing Romelu Lukaku, 28, for £97.5million.
But the England striker has instead moved closer to a £34m switch to Roma, who are managed by former Blues boss Jose Mourinho.
As a result, it leaves Arsenal unlikely to sell Aubameyang and Lacazette with no replacements being identified.
They were linked with a move for Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, 23, who is now expected to stay in Italy after Lukaku’s departure.
Eddie Nketiah, 22, is also out with an ankle knock until next month meaning Arteta turned to Folarin Balogun, 20, against Brentford.
But the ex-Gunners youth star failed to make an impact. Gabriel Martinelli, 20, is another option who could be moved from out wide to a central role.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
