Arsenal vs MLS Stars team news: Rob Holding starts for the Gunners alongside Krystian Bielik in makeshift back-four
While £30million new boy Granit Xhaka starts from the bench and could also make his bow for Arsenal
ROB HOLDING makes his Arsenal debut against the MLS All-Stars in their friendly in San Jose this morning.
The 20-year-old signed for the Gunners from relegated Bolton Wanderers for £2.5million last week.
The defender could find himself having elevated to the first team quicker than expected – manager Arsene Wenger confirmed that centre-back Per Mertesacker will be out for a “few months” with a knee injury and will miss the start of the season.
Wenger said of Holding: “He’s a young, promising centre back. You don’t find centre backs that often and we can educate them when they’re at that age. We can give them all the ingredients we think are important.”
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£30million new boy Granit Xhaka is on the bench and could also make his Gunners bow. The Swiss midfielder signed from Borussia Dortmund at the end of the season.
Wenger said of Xhaka yesterday: "He will play a part in the game. He is a bit short fitness-wise, because he just came back last week."
Legends such as Didier Drogba, David Villa, Kaka and Andrea Pirlo start for MLS All-Stars.
The Gunners then face Guadalajara in California on Saturday before they complete their fixtures on the US tour. Wenger’s side face Viking Stavanger in Norway next on August 5 and then the glamour friendly against Premier League rivals Manchester City on August 7.