Arsenal defender Nacho Monreal is reportedly a huge doubt to be fit for the start of next season after suffering a back injury.

Monreal had been given extra time off following his participation in the Confederations Cup with Spain, missing Arsenal's pre-season tour of Asia as a result.

The full-back has returned from that extended break with a back problem and is now highly unlikely to be ready for next month's Premier League opener against Aston Villa on August 17, according to The Mirror.

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has made a check on the left-back's fitness, with both Monreal and Santi Cazorla well behind in their pre-season preparations.

Wenger's side are currently in Japan on the last leg of their summer tour of Asia, which continues with a game against Grampus Eight tomorrow.