Midfield pair out of Arsenal squad

Soccer: Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri have been left out of the Arsenal squad to face Newcastle on Saturday, but manager Arsene Wenger could shed no further light on what lies in store for the pair this morning. Last night, he indicated a decision over their respective moves to Barcelona and Manchester City was imminent.

However, this morning Frenchman refused to confirm their departures, and insisted there were other reasons for their absence.

Fabregas has been left out due to a lack of match fitness, according to Wenger, while Nasri is suffering from an illness and will be monitored.

"I expect nobody to leave," he said at the club's training ground. "The best thing for us one day before the championship starts is to focus on possible transfers.

"At the moment there is no news. If there is news I promise I will give it. I will decide what's best for the club. My personal feelings are not important. What is important is the club and how well we do.

"I have not been disappointed with their attitudes. They are professionals. I take nothing personally. The transfer speculation is disruptive but that is not an excuse."

Wenger has revealed midfielder Fabregas's heir apparent Jack Wilshere is wearing a protective boot for his ankle injury.

"Jack Wilshere has been put in a boot," he told the club's official website. "He has an inflamed ankle and it is difficult to set any specific date on his return, but we hope he will be back soon."

On another midfielder on The Emirates casualty list, the Frenchman added: "Abou Diaby is slowly improving. As well, it is difficult to say when he will be back, but we know he will not play before the end of September."

Robin van Persie (knee) and Kieran Gibbs (thigh) face fitness tests today but Theo Walcott and Thomas Vermaelen return to the squad. Jack Wilshere (ankle) and Abou Diaby (ankle) are definitely out.

Provisional squad:Szczesny, Fabianski, Sagna, Vermaelen, Djourou, Gibbs, Rosicky, Ramsey, Song, Walcott, Arshavin, Gervinho, Van Persie, Squillaci, Jenkinson, Lansbury, Chamakh, Traore, Frimpong.