Early team news: Arsenal v United

The Reds have tallied up six points from a possible nine over the opening three rounds of the campaign, most recently defeating Nottingham Forest 3-2 last weekend, and now prepare to face a Gunners side that finished one place above us in the 2022/23 table.

United looked in good spirits off the back of that win in Tuesday’s training photos from Carrington, although the latest news from the camp is that there is a freshly-confirmed absentee for the game at the Emirates Stadium.

Raphael Varane will not be part of the side that plays against Arsenal on Sunday, with the centre-back set for a few weeks on the sidelines due to an injury that saw him substituted at half-time of the victory over Forest.

Erik ten Hag may provide a further update on the Frenchman in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, when he could also address the availability of new signing Rasmus Hojlund.

The Denmark international is yet to make his Reds debut since signing from Atalanta this summer due to a small issue he picked up in pre-season with his former club, but, in a positive update last Friday, the boss confirmed that the young striker has been able to join in team training and is nearly ready to be in our matchday squad for the first time.

Ten Hag also provided an update in his most recent pre-match media briefing on Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Luke Shaw, who missed the Forest game through injury and are set to do so again for the Arsenal clash this weekend.

Harry Maguire did return to the matchday squad last Saturday having been absent for the prior loss at Tottenham due to a knock, while Amad, Tom Heaton and Kobbie Mainoo have been sidelined so far this term.

You will be able to see the latest from Erik on ManUtd.com and in the United App, when he addresses the media in his pre-match press conference. The first part will be available on Friday, with the second to follow on Saturday. Be sure to keep an eye on our platforms for the confirmed times of both sections over the coming days.

EARLY ARSENAL TEAM NEWS

For Mikel Arteta’s side, defender Takehiro Tomiyasu missed their 2-2 draw with Fulham last Saturday due to suspension but will be available to return for the Gunners this weekend, having served his one-match ban for picking up two yellow cards in a recent win at Crystal Palace.

Gabriel Jesus is expected to be involved, after his substitute cameo in the Fulham game saw the striker play his first minutes of the campaign, following surgery on a minor knee issue.

Mohamed Elneny is back in training following a long-term injury lay-off but is yet to feature this season in Arsenal’s midfield, while Jurrien Timber is a definite absentee.