 Arsenal's first team squad flew to Germany this week as Mikel Arteta steps-up preparations ahead of the new season, but there was one notable absentee. Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis Sign up Privacy Policy The Gunners visited adidas HQ in Herzogenaurach on Monday ahead of their first pre-season fixture against Nurnberg on Thursday. Arsenal are then scheduled to travel to America where they are due to play fixtures against MLS All-Stars, Manchester United and Barcelona. Arteta is hopeful deals for defender Jurrien Timber 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. The former Anderlecht star has struggled to win the faith of his manager since his £17million transfer two years ago and spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace. Albert Sambi Lokonga will miss Arsenal's pre-season tour due to a muscle injury (Picture: Getty) Burnley are understood to be interested in signing the 23-year-old 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 YouTube channel Wonhee Hyung 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.' MORE : For more stories like this, check our sport page. Follow Metro Sport for the lat){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Arsenal’s first team squad flew to Germany this week as Mikel Arteta steps-up preparations ahead of the new season, but there was one notable absentee.
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis
The Gunners visited adidas HQ in Herzogenaurach on Monday ahead of their first pre-season fixture against Nurnberg on Thursday.
Arsenal are then scheduled to travel to America where they are due to play fixtures against MLS All-Stars, Manchester United and Barcelona.