Albert Sambi Lokonga has revealed that he will miss Arsenal's pre-season training camp in Germany due to a "small muscular injury".

Arsenal kicked off their preparations for the 2023-24 season with a 1-1 draw against Watford at the club's London Colney training ground on Saturday.

The Gunners flew out to Germany on Sunday evening to continue their pre-season training at the Adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach.

Mikel Arteta has taken a 30-man squad to Bavaria, but Lokonga has revealed that he was not part of the travelling party.

The 23-year-old took to social media to explain that he will remain in London to work on his recovery from an injury issue.

"Due to a muscular injury, I'll sadly not be part of the summer camp with the team in Germany," Lokonga posted on Instagram.

"I'm [focused] now on my recovery to prepare the season and be ready to help the team at my fullest capacity."

Lokonga, who arrived from Anderlecht in 2021, spent the second half of last season on loan at Crystal Palace, where he had to settle for nine appearances.

Despite having three years left to run on his contract, Lokonga has been linked with a move away this summer, amid reported interest from Burnley and Sevilla.

While Lokonga has remained in England, new signing Kai Havertz is part of the squad that is currently away in Germany.

Arsenal will play 2.Bundesliga side Nurnberg in a friendly this weekend, before they fly out to the USA for a pre-season tour.

The Gunners kick off their trip to the USA with a match against an MLS All-Stars side managed by Wayne Rooney in Washington on July 17.

They will then travel to New Jersey for a meeting with Manchester United, before facing La Liga champions Barcelona in Los Angeles.

Arsenal will return home to conclude their pre-season schedule with an Emirates Cup game against Ligue 1 outfit Monaco on August 2. body check tags ::