Sign up to FREE email alerts from Mirror - Arsenal FC Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal could miss the start of the season after suffering an injury scare, writes John Cross in Nagoya.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger will check on the extent of a back problem for the Spanish left back who is missing from the Asia tour after being given an extended break after the Confederations Cup.

Wenger is already concerned that Monreal and Santi Cazorla are behind on pre-season after being on international duty with Spain.

Laurent Koscielny and Wojciech Szczesny are likely to sit out Monday’s friendly with Grampus Eight in Nagoya after suffering ankle and back injuries respectively.

Arsenal captain Thomas Vermaelen is likely to be out for at least three months with a back injury.