Saka set for Arsenal first-team involvement after being left out of squad to face Boreham Wood

Bukayo Saka is set to be involved with the Arsenal first-team in pre-season after being left out of the U23 squad to face Boreham Wood.

The winger, who featured for the senior side last season, is still eligible for the U18s this campaign but is rated so highly that he will get the chance to train with Unai Emery’s squad frequently.

Ben Sheaf is another notable absentee from the provisional squad to face Boreham Wood, but it isn’t clear whether he will be involved with the first-team or instead go out on loan.

Attacker Sam Greenwood has received his first call-up to the U23 squad along with Matthew Dennis, who can play at right-back or as a right winger.

First-year scholar Mazeed Ogungbo, a centre-back, has also been called up for the first time.

Krystian Bielik and Reiss Nelson have been given extra time off after their involvement in the U21 European Championship.

Emile Smith Rowe, Joe Willock and Eddie Nketiah are all expected to be involved with the first-team in pre-season.

However, winger Xavier Amaechi has instead been named in the U23 squad for this game, as has Zech Medley.

Ben Cottrell, who recently signed professional terms, will also face Boreham Wood.

Goalkeepers Deyan Iliev and Matt Macey won’t be involved in the game at Meadow Park and midfielder Kelechi Nwakali is another absentee.

Karl Hein and Joseph Olowu return from injury, but Tolaji Bola isn’t fit enough to feature despite being back in training and Jordan McEneff is still out.

Tobi Omole and James Hillson are also not in the squad.

Squad to face Boreham Wood:
Arthur Okonkwo
Karl Hein
Dominic Thompson
Zech Medley
Mark McGuinness
Zak Swanson
Harrison Clarke
Joseph Olowu
Mazeed Ogungbo
Matthew Smith
Sam Greenwood
Ben Cottrell
Nathan Tormey
Xavier Amaechi
Folarin Balogun
Tyreepce John-Jules
James Olayinka
Trae Coyle
Robbie Burton
Matthew Dennis