Arsenal trio ruled out of opening Premier League game

Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Arsenal will be without three of their Euro 2016 stars for the opening Premier League match of the season against Liverpool.

Recent reports suggested that the Gunners would look to rush back Mesut Ozil, Laurent Koscielny and Olivier Giroud, but Wenger is preparing for the Reds' visit without the key trio.

Arsenal are also without another central defender in Per Mertesacker, who is out for at least four months through injury, while Jack Wilshere is another doubt after picking up a minor knee problem.

"Jack has started running again today," Wenger told the club's official website. "He will train next week. The other three? Liverpool would come too early."

Both Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey are back in contention for the Liverpool match on August 14 following their extended summer breaks, as is Granit Xhaka, but all three were absent for the 8-0 friendly win over Viking FK on Friday.