Unai Emery has backed Ainsley Maitland-Niles to play left-back against Manchester City in Arsenal's Premier League opener.

The 20-year-old has played primarily at centre-midfield and right-back in his career. But with Nacho Monreal's fitness in doubt, Emery has no qualms about Maitland-Niles filling in.

Emery said: "He [Monreal] arrived with no big injuries, but his knee has a little problem. He is training every day but not with the team. He is doing the work alone with a physio, and running. We think maybe on Tuesday he can start with the team."

"My confidence in all the players is great. If he is okay to play, Nacho, that's perfect. But if he is not okay we can also have this chance with Ainsley."