Arsenal announces preliminary squad for MLS All-Star Game
North Londoner side Arsenal is off to the United States for a brief preseason tour highlighted by participation in the annual MLS All-Star Game, and the reigning Premier League runner-up has unveiled its preliminary roster.
Among the notable absentees are Alexis Sanchez and Euro 2016 participants Mesut Ozil, Laurent Koscielny, Olivier Giroud, and Aaron Ramsey.
The "All-Stars vs. Guest" format was introduced during the 2005 season, with Arsenal becoming the 12th European-based club to partake in the festivities. Fulham was defeated 4-1 in the inaugural match before fellow English sides West Ham, Everton, Chelsea (x2) and Manchester United (x2) all had a crack at the MLS' best.
Arsenal rival Tottenham had the honours last year, losing 2-1 in Colorado courtesy of goals from familiar faces Kaka and David Villa.
(Courtesy: MLSSoccer.com)
Here's a look at Arsenal's 25-man squad, including Friday's signing Rob Holding:
GK: Petr Cech, David Ospina, Emiliano Martinez
DF: Hector Bellerin, Krystian Bielik, Calum Chambers, Mathieu Debuchy, Gabriel, Kieran Gibbs, Rob Holding, Per Mertesacker, Nacho Monreal
MF: Santi Cazorla, Francis Coquelin, Mohamed Elneny, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Chris Willock, Jack Wilshere, Granit Xhaka, Gedion Zelalem
FW: Chuba Akpom, Joel Campbell, Alex Iwobi, Theo Walcott
The match takes place on July 28 at the Avaya Stadium in San Jose.