Gunners Back Firing

Arsenal personnel crisis for Liverpool clash eases with Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud all training

Laurent Koscielny, Aaron Ramsey and Calum Chambers all smiles as Gunners prepare for Premier League season opener

Anthony Chapman

Published: 17:49, 10 Aug 2016
Updated: 14:17, 30 Oct 2018

ARSENAL have been given a major boost four days before they kick off their Premier League campaign against Liverpool on Sunday.

Injury doubts Laurent Koscielny and Jack Wilshere both took part in training, while Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud have returned to the squad after their Euro 2016 exploits.

Arsenal Training Session — Nacho Monreal puts in the work during trainingCredit: Getty Images

Wilshere missed Arsenal's final two matches of pre-season after suffering a setback in his return from a knee injury.

But the English midfielder could be in contention for the season opener against Liverpool after returning to the London Colney training field.

Koscielny also looks set to take his place in defence alongside youngster Rob Holding, who impressed fans with some mature performances in pre-season.

Meanwhile, German playmaker Ozil is building up his fitness after his post-Euros rest.

Arsenal will need him to be back as quickly as possible following his incredible assists haul last season.

And hitman Giroud could be on the end of some passes this weekend too after making his way back to training.

But there won't be any chance of Gabriel Paulista playing after the Brazilian injured ankle ligaments against Manchester City last week.

It was feared the centre-back would be out for a lengthy period, but he is confident he will bounce back after seven weeks on the sidelines.

But captain Per Mertesacker remains a long-term casualty and will be out of action for around five months.

It means the Gunners are likely to sign a new centre-back before the transfer window closes, with Valencia ace Shkodran Mustafi high on Arsene Wenger's list.