Mikel Arteta delivers major Bruno Guimaraes injury update after Arsenal scare

Mikel Arteta has eased fears over Bruno Guimaraes after the £75million Arsenal midfielder missed Friday’s Premier League opener against Coventry City through injury.

Guimaraes had been facing the prospect of several weeks on the sidelines after suffering a groin problem during Arsenal’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City, but Arteta has now delivered a far more encouraging assessment.

🚨 Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Bruno Guimaraes will NOT be out for long:

“No, no, no. We expect that not to be weeks at all.Let’s see how he evolves this week.

“He didn’t even want to stop. He wanted to carry on, and I’m starting to understand the character of the player.… pic.twitter.com/Ww7lV1VYu2

— Connor Humm (@TikiTakaConnor) August 21, 2026

Arteta plays down Bruno Guimaraes injury fears

Guimaraes was withdrawn at half-time against Manchester City before being pictured with ice on his leg, and the problem subsequently ruled him out as Arsenal beat Coventry 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

ReadArsenal reported before the Coventry game that the Brazilian could potentially face several weeks out.

However, speaking after Friday’s victory, Arteta dismissed suggestions that Arsenal’s summer signing is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

According to The Sun, Arteta said: “No, no. We don’t expect that to be weeks at all.”

The Arsenal boss added that the club will monitor how Guimaraes progresses over the coming week, while revealing the midfielder had initially wanted to continue playing despite the problem.

Arsenal have also published Arteta’s full post-Coventry press conference.

Arsenal could have Guimaraes back sooner than feared

No return date has yet been confirmed, so Arsenal will still need to be cautious with Guimaraes after his disrupted preparation for the new season.

There is at least breathing room in the schedule. Arsenal’s next Premier League fixture does not arrive until their trip to Aston Villa on 31 August, giving Guimaraes a 10-day gap between the Coventry game and the champions’ second league outing.

Arteta’s side coped comfortably without Guimaraes against Coventry, cruising to a 3-0 victory to make the ideal start to their title defence.

After initial fears of a lengthy absence, Arteta’s latest comments make the outlook considerably more encouraging. Whether Guimaraes can recover in time for Aston Villa should become clearer over the coming days.