Blow for Arsenal as Luiz could be out for a number of weeks

Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of David Luiz as the defender now faces a number of weeks on the sidelines.

David Luiz has given Mikel Arteta a defensive headache with the Brazilian ruled out for the Premier League start.

The defender could be facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after aggravating a neck injury against Liverpool in the Community Shield.

As it stands, Luiz is set to miss the Gunners’ season opener at Fulham on Saturday.

His fitness is expected to have a knock-on effect to Arsenal’s transfer business.

As per reports from The Athletic, Luiz could be out for up to six weeks.

EXCL: David Luiz a major doubt for Arsenal trip to Fulham with neck injury that could rule him out for an extended period. Depends how responds to treatment but very delicate + likely to be a late decision on Brazilian centre-back @TheAthleticUK #AFC #FFC https://t.co/fczvQ1l74L
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) September 9, 2020

Defender Rob Holding’s proposed loan move to Newcastle is now set to be cancelled in order to cover for the Brazilian’s absence.

It leaves Arteta with the tough decision of his centre-back pairing. Although the Spaniard has youngsters William Saliba and new boy Gabriel Magalahes to call upon.

However, David Luiz was expected to be the ‘leader’ in the backline and his absence comes as a big blow to the Gunners.

Regardless, Arsenal will fancy their chances of starting the season with a win against newly promoted Fulham.