Arsenal explain Aaron Ramsey absence

Arsenal have revealed that Aaron Ramsey was a late withdrawal from the starting XI against Chelsea due to "a minor calf problem" which the midfielder suffered ahead of kickoff in Dublin.

Ramsey was initially named in the Arsenal team for the International Champions Cup fixture, but Emile Smith Rowe replaced the Wales international in the final moments.

The 27-year-old scored 11 times and registered 12 assists in 32 appearances for Arsenal during the 2017-18 campaign, but his future at the Emirates Stadium is unclear as his current deal will expire next summer.

"Aaron did not start tonight's match due to a minor calf problem - he was replaced in the line up by Emile Smith Rowe as a precaution," read a tweet on Arsenal's official account.

Ramsey has been with the Gunners since 2008, and enjoyed his second-best scoring season for the club during the 2017-18 campaign.