Fitness challenge: Iwobi doubtful for EPL opener

Alex Iwobi is a major doubt for Arsenal’s Premier League opening clash away at Newcastle United, Sports Extra reports.

Iwobi, who cut short his holidays to report at Arsenal’s training camp in Colney last week, missed the Gunners’ last pre-season friendly against Barcelona on Sunday after falling short of match fitness with four days to the EPL kick-off.

The Nigeria international scored six goals and provided nine assists across all competitions last season and would hope to build on that in the new campaign despite the arrival of the duo Dani Ceballos and Nicolas Pepe.

Pepe joined Arsenal in a record deal worth £72m from Lille and has been tipped to fill one of the positions on the flanks, which Iwobi occupies.

Iwobi, who could also play through the middle, also faces stiff competition in that role from Ceballos as well.

Arsenal finished fifth in the EPL last season and werethrashed 4-1 by Chelsea in the Europa League final – a result which dashed their hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. Punch