Arsenal handed major blow as two players set to miss Premier League opener against Wolves

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed the absence of two key players in the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday (August 17).

The Gunners will play their first league match at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and Arteta admitted that two defenders will be missing out due to injury.

Tomiyasu, Tierney Out for Arsenal

Two defenders, right-back Takehiro Tomiyasu and left-back Kieran Tierney are set to miss out against Wolves. Both Tomiyasu and Tierney didn't play a single pre-season match for the Gunners and Arteta confirmed that the duo will be out of the Wolves clash and will miss the upcoming few games as well.

"Yes, they will be a few weeks," Arteta replied when asked about the longevity of their injuries.

Timber, Vieira doubtful

Jurrien Timber is going to be in the squad but his contribution in the match may be limited. Fabio Vieira will also be assessed ahead of the match, confirmed the Spanish manager.

"Jurrien will be in the squad tomorrow. Obviously, he had a really tough period but he used it in a great way I think because he's managed to get a lot of things done and improved in many areas except playing. He found it really helpful I think and now he's ready and he has a chance," the Gunners boss added.

The Arsenal manager also spoke about the hunger of the players, who instilled the belief in Mikel Arteta about a strong title bid this season.

"On the last day [of the season], we had a gathering together with all the club players and they were coming to me and saying: 'we are going to do it next year, we are going to be better, we want more.' And when you see that you accept they're the ones driving that ambition so that's always possible," Arteta further said.

The North London club started off with a victory over Nottingham Forest last season and will be hoping to replicate that against the Wolves.