Yet the training absence has remained unexplained until now, with Sami Mokbel reporting for the BBC that it was due to illness. Mokbel writes that Zubimendi was struck by a severe sickness bug ahead of the United game, and he ended up missing two full training sessions as a result.

Viktor Gyokeres started for Arsenal for his Premier League debut before being substituted around the hour mark for Kai Havertz. Ex-Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has given his verdict on what he called a "poor" performance from the Swedish striker.

This opening weekend clash is exclusive to Sky Sports and will be shown on its Sky Sports Main Event and UHD channels. If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream the game via its Sky Go app. Cord-cutters will want to set up a Now account and a Now Sports membership to stream the game.

Arsenal is back in action for the 2025-26 Premier League season, with their first match kicking off this week.

Nottingham Forest are close to signing Douglas Luiz and are in talks with Sevilla for defender José Angel Carmona.