Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says midfielder Aaron Ramsey will feature in Saturday's friendly game against Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Welshman has successfully recovered from injury and is ready to enjoy a healthy campaign with the Gunners.
Goalkeeper David Ospina is also expected to feature as his future at the Emirates remains unclear.
"I'm cautious about having too many [central defenders] but I don't think so," he told reporters.
"[Laurent] Koscielny has not played, Gabriel [Paulista] is injured, [Shkodran] Mustafi was not there, [Rob] Holding is not here. Most of these players can play on the flanks as well.
"Laurent is suspended in the first two games of the season so I do not need to take any gamble with him.
"He'll work very hard physically and there's no reason for him to take the risk of getting injured. With [Aaron] Ramsey, I was a bit cautious as well because the last few seasons he's been troubled with injury. I wanted to give him a good build up, a good foundation. He will play on Saturday night.
"[David] Ospina just came back. I have three keepers and I will rotate on Saturday."
