Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says Mesut Ozil and Aaron Ramsey have only a “little chance” of being fit for the start of the Premier League season.
The pair missed Sunday’s Community Shield match against Chelsea at Wembley, where the Gunners won on penalties.
And they look unlikely to feature in Friday evening’s match against Leicester City.
The same applies to Alexis Sanchez, who was also absent at Wembley.
Ozil is nursing an ankle injury, while Ramsey has a calf problem.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Wenger explained: “I left them all out because some are short of preparation, like Alexis.
“Mesut had a kick on his ankle. It was swollen and he couldn’t play.
“He has a little chance on Friday night and Ramsey has a chance but he could be short as well – he has a little calf problem.”
Wenger praised his players for their performance against last season’s champions.
“I’m very happy because we won the trophy we wanted to win and because I believe the quality of the game was very good,” Wenger said.
“There were two teams that gave everything and the game was of intensity and quality.
“When we were 1-0 down we didn’t panic and we came back.”