Ozil, Kolasinac to miss Arsenal opener due to ‘security incidents’

LONDON (AP):

Arsenal have left Mesut Ozil and Sead Kolasinac out of the squad for their Premier League season opener because police are investigating ‘further security incidents’ two weeks after the players fought off two knife-wielding men.

In an apparent robbery attempt caught on camera in London, Kolasinac jumped out of a vehicle to confront the masked aggressors, who had pulled alongside the car on mopeds.

Both players were unharmed but did not play in subsequent preseason friendly matches. Arsenal decided that “following further security incidents which are being investigated by the police” they will not be travelling to Newcastle for tomorrow’s first match of the season.

“The welfare of our players and their families is always a top priority and we have taken this decision following discussion with the players and their representatives,” Arsenal said in a statement yesterday.

“We are liaising with the police and are providing the players and their families with ongoing support. We look forward to welcoming the players back to the squad as soon as possible.”