However, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger maintained Cole was left behind because of his fitness levels, rather than whether or not he was about to be sold.

Captain Thierry Henry is another to be rested as he is lacking match sharpness following the World Cup, while Gunners fans are going to have to wait for a chance to see starlet Theo Walcott. The teenager was another who did not board the plane at Luton this afternoon.

But Tomas Rosicky is likely to feature in what would be his competitive debut for Arsenal following a summer move from Borussia Dortmund.

Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann is suspended following his sending off in last season‘s Champions League final against Barcelona in Paris.

Philippe Senderos (shoulder), Freddie Ljungberg (ankle), Gael Clichy (foot) and Abou Diaby (ankle) are out.

Squad; Almunia, Poom, Eboue, Toure, Djourou, Cygan, Fabregas, Flamini, Hoyte, Gilberto, Song, Hleb, Reyes, Aliadiere, van Persie, Traore, Adebayor, Rosicky.