Arsenal defender Ashley Cole, who has been linked with champions Chelsea, will not play in the Premier League opener against Aston Villa tomorrow despite making himself available.
Manager Arsene Wenger told a news conference that Cole would not be in the squad to play Villa at Arsenal's new Emirates Stadium.
"I gave permission for him to leave but we have not reached that deadline yet," said Wenger. "I could put him in the squad tomorrow but he could be sold tonight."
Wenger said Cole would be considered for selection for Arsenal's home Champions League third qualifying round second leg against Dinamo Zagreb (Arsenal lead 3-0).
Cole had ealier issued a statement saying: "I have made myself available for selection this weekend and it is now up to the manager whether he decides to play me."
"I maintain I have no problem with the fans and the manager. They have both been very supportive of me throughout my career," the 25-year-old said in a statement released on his agent's Web site stellargroup.co.uk..
"In particular I hope the fans understand where my grievances lie," added Cole who is the subject of a reported £16.5 million sterling offer from Chelsea according to British media reports.
The relationship of Cole, a product of Arsenal's youth scheme, with the north London club soured more than a year ago when he was fined for meeting Chelsea officials including manager Jose Mourinho without his club's knowledge.
Cole, who helped Arsenal reach the Champions League final in May, has criticised the club for making him a scapegoat over the tapping-up.
Wenger, who left Cole out of the Arsenal side for the first leg of the Champions League tie against Dynamo Zagreb last week, said at the beginning of this week he wanted the matter of Chelsea's interest settled by this weekend.
A week ago, Chelsea appeared to have lost all hope of signing Cole for this season, releasing a statement in which they said: "Although discussions have continued, Arsenal's valuation of the player does not match Chelsea's and therefore no agreement can be reached in the current circumstances."
