Arsenal lose Lukaku to Chelsea... and 9 regulars

Arsenal’s nightmare run-up to the season may have just got worse. 

Arsene Wenger could be missing nine first-team players for Saturday's Premier League opener at Newcastle, according to media reports.

Arsenal's injury problems got worse during Saturday's 2-1 loss to Benfica in Lisbon as Gunners Robin van Persie, Kieran Gibbs and Thomas Vermaelen all picked up knocks.

Theo Walcott, Jack Wilshere, Lauren Koscielny, Abou Diaby and Samir Nasri are also injured, while Cesc Fabregas is not fit.

The frustration that the players are feeling was evident in the loss against Benfica. Van Persie was involved in a massive bust-up.

Van Persie was furious following a crushing challenge from Garay in the 40th minute and unleashed a verbal rocket at the Benfica star on the half-time whistle.

Garay then shoved Van Persie before the pair clashed in front of their amazed team-mates, who ran to join in.

Both sets of players then piled down the tunnel and it seemed certain that the problems would continue outside the dressing rooms.

The Holland star had put the Gunners ahead before the ruck, slotting home Alex Song's cross in the 31st minute.

But Arsene Wenger's men blew their lead as subs Pablo Aimar and Nolito sealed a 2-1 reverse after the break.

Arsenal fans will also not be impressed that Chelsea have won the race for £20million-rated sensation Romelu Lukaku.

The teen whiz is set for a medical at Stamford Bridge after the Blues prised him away from Anderlecht.

Lukaku, who had been a target for Arsenal, hit the headlines when he topped the Belgian scoring charts aged just 16.

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