Aaron Ramsey
Ramsey made four assists during Euro 2016 as Wales reached the semi-finals Getty

KEY POINTS

  • The 25-year-old expected to be given several weeks off by Arsene Wenger following summer exploits.
  • Ramsey played five times for Wales this summer but was suspended for semi-final loss to Portugal.
  • The Gunners start their Premier League campaign against Liverpool on Sunday 14 August.

Arsenal could be without Wales international Aaron Ramsey for their Premier League opener against Liverpool and beyond with Arsene Wenger expected to give those players featuring in the latter stages at the European Championships extra time to recuperate. Ramsey has played five times for Chris Coleman's team this summer but missed the semi-final defeat to Portugal in Lyon due to suspension.

Goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani ended Coleman's side's run in France which saw them reach the last four at a major tournament for the first time. After finishing top of Group B ahead of England, Wales saw off Northern Ireland and Belgium in the knock-out stage 58 years on from their last major competition appearance.

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But their run could have a negative impact on Arsenal ahead of the start of the new Premier League season, which kicks off in five weeks. The Gunners face Liverpool on the opening weekend, but could be without a clutch of players including Ramsey when the campaign gets underway.

"I am back on the August 1 so I have a few weeks off but obviously it kicks off a couple of weeks afterwards," he told The Evening Standard. "I know [Arsene likes to give players a long rest] – a few years ago Germany won the World Cup and they [players] came in just a few days before the first game of the season but they missed that. So he does like to give players a little break and I'll be getting the same treatment. I feel I need a few weeks off now."

Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski – who now plies his trade with Galatasaray – all missed the start of the 2014-15 season for Arsenal after helping to guide Germany to the World Cup having been given time off to recuperate. Ramsey, Ozil and France's Laurent Koscielny and striker Olivier Giroud could all be allowed an extended rest and leaves Wenger without a host of players for the opening week of Arsenal's season.

Alexis Sanchez may also be missing after picking up a bruised ankle while helping Chile win the Copa America – his third consecutive appearance at a summer international tournament. Alex Iwobi could however be available for Arsenal after appearing to reject a call-up to the Nigeria squad for the Olympic football tournament.