Arsenal will start the new Premier League season with the same old injury problems as Arsene Wenger faces up to a selection headache.
However, the Gunners are already without centre-half Johan Djourou (hamstring) and striker Nicklas Bendtner (groin). Midfielder Alex Song (calf) is doubtful while Denilson (abdominal) and Abou Diaby (calf) face fitness tests.
With Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey still recovering from a broken leg, Wenger could be left with little option but to throw 18-year-olds Jack Wilshere and Emmanuel Frimpong into the centre of midfield, although it would seem more likely Samir Nasri would move across as he did for spells last season.
At the back, Arsenal are also short and so untested summer recruit Laurent Koscielny looks set to partner Thomas Vermaelen in what would be a dream, but hardly ideal debut for the young Frenchman.
"We have some problems with Bendtner and Djourou," said Wenger.
"Bendtner will be out for four weeks I think with a groin problem, but we have Ramsey who is coming back in November now.
"All the rest of the injuries are short term.
"Alex Song has a calf problem and will be short. Denilson will have a test on Friday or Saturday on an abdominal problem.
"Diaby has a calf problem, but he is back in full training. He might be available and Andrey Arshavin is all right.
"But I still have to make a decision about whether I will include van Persie and Fabregas in the squad."
It is hardly the best preparation for Wenger's young squad as they look to end a five season quest for a trophy.
Vermaelen has warned Arsenal cannot afford to be off their game for one moment if they are to mount a serious title challenge.
Wenger's men failed to stay the distance in the last campaign, with lapses in concentration proving so costly as points which would have kept them in the hunt were thrown away with conceding a last-minute equaliser at Birmingham and then inexplicably losing at Wigan when 2-0 ahead.
Vermaelen, though, insists the Gunners are wiser for the experience.
"You have to look at all games which we lost, and each one had its own story," Vermaelen said.
"In football, it is really difficult to perform at a high level in every game - and that is what we have to do every year.
"We are one year older now, more experienced."
Meanwhile, it remains to be seen who will start the new campaign as Wenger's number one, with Lukasz Fabianski looking to oust Manuel Almunia.
Marouane Chamakh may make his debut for the Gunners if Van Persie is not fit for action.
