Arsenal will be without left back Nacho Monreal for the early stages of the new season.

The former Malaga defender damaged a disc in his back and will be out for an unspecified amount of time.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has suggested that Thomas Vermaelen could fill in as a back-up until Monreal comes back.

But Wenger has the occasionally injury-prone Kieran Gibbs available as the first choice left-back. He and Monreal shared starting duties from January onwards.