The list is significant. Mikel Merino, David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka are all unavailable, while William Saliba is out with a back injury.
That matters in obvious areas:
Arsenal’s pre-season has already offered mixed signals. Wins over MK Dons and Girona were followed by a 3-1 defeat to Real Betis, a game that appeared to leave Arteta with more questions than answers. The encouraging note is Martin Odegaard returning to training. If he is involved, Arsenal should look more settled between the lines.
This is not a fully loaded Dortmund either. They are without Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can, which weakens the middle of the side, and reports suggest they are still working through the integration of a reshaped squad.
Their pre-season has also been uneven:
That profile points to a team still searching for balance rather than one arriving in rhythm.
The result may not define much, but the selection patterns will. Arsenal’s home setting still gives them a natural edge, yet the absences make this a cautious rather than straightforward call. With both teams missing important defensive pieces, there is a fair chance the contest becomes open.
What matters most is what Arteta learns. With the domestic campaign edging closer, the next storyline is clear: who looks ready to cover the gaps now, and who can hold their place once Arsenal’s senior names return.