’s first team squad flew to Germany this week as steps-up preparations ahead of the new season, but there was one notable absentee.
The Gunners visited adidas HQ in Herzogenaurach on Monday ahead of their first fixture against Nurnberg on Thursday.
Arsenal are then scheduled to travel to where they are due to play fixtures against MLS All-Stars, and Barcelona.
Arteta is hopeful deals for defender and Declan Rice are completed by the time his side head stateside, but one player who is unlikely to feature is wantaway midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga.
and spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace.
with Vincent Kompany keen to be reunited with a player he knows well from his spell in charge at Anderlecht.
When asked about his plans for the upcoming season on the channel earlier this month, Lokonga said: ‘I don’t know.
‘I will try to go somewhere where I can play so that’s the most important thing for me – to have some games and play game after game.’
Lokonga’s chances of impressing Arteta and demonstrating he is capable of challenging for a regular role in his team have, however, been hit by a minor injury setback.
‘Due to a small muscular injury, I’ll sadly not be part of the summer camp with the team in Germany,’ Lokonga wrote on Instagram.
‘I’m focus[ed] now on my recovery to prepare the season and be ready to help the team at my fullest capacity.’
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