Arsenal could be without £75million summer signing Bruno Guimaraes for Friday night’s Premier League opener against Coventry City after Mikel Arteta refused to confirm the midfielder will be available.
Guimaraes played the first half of Arsenal’s 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City but was later pictured on the bench with ice strapped around his right thigh.
Arteta has now provided the first update on the Brazilian ahead of the champions beginning their title defence at Emirates Stadium.
“Let’s see how he is,” Arteta told reporters on Thursday. “He’s evolving really well but let’s see for tomorrow.”
The Standard reports that Guimaraes remains a doubt for Coventry, although Arteta’s comments suggest the issue is improving.
Bruno Guimaraes injury creates Arsenal midfield question
Guimaraes only completed his £75m move from Newcastle United earlier this month and has been gradually integrated after joining Arsenal late in pre-season.
Losing him for the opening league fixture would leave Arteta with another important midfield decision.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have both been cleared to play, with Arteta confirming the England internationals are “ready to be involved”.
That is particularly significant after questions over how quickly Rice should be reintegrated following his World Cup workload.
ReadArsenal has previously highlighted the need to carefully manage Rice’s minutes, and Guimaraes being unavailable could increase the likelihood of the 27-year-old being required against Coventry.
Martin Zubimendi and Myles Lewis-Skelly provide further midfield alternatives.
Arsenal already have fitness problems elsewhere.
The latest Arsenal vs Coventry team news has William Saliba and Jurrien Timber unavailable, with Arteta confirming on Thursday that Timber is still not training with the group.
Arsenal remain overwhelming favourites against the newly promoted side, but Guimaraes was recruited to become an important part of Arteta’s midfield.
His availability will now be one of the key decisions to watch when Arsenal’s first Premier League team sheet of the season is released on Friday evening.
Comments.
Loading comments…