New signing Bruno Guimaraes is an injury doubt for Arsenal’s Friday night opener at home to Coventry City.
The Brazilian came off at half-time in Sunday’s Community Shield and was later spotted with an ice pack on his thigh.
“Let’s see how it is. He’s evolving really well but let’s see for tomorrow.” – Mikel Arteta on Bruno Guimaraes
Speaking at Thursday’s press conference, Mikel Arteta gave updates on Jurrien Timber (groin) and long-term absentee William Saliba (back).
- READ MORE: Press conferences for FPL Gameweek 1
“[He’ll be training in] the next few weeks. He’s not training with the group yet.” – Mikel Arteta on Jurrien Timber
However, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, late back from World Cup duty and emerging as substitutes last weekend, are fit.
“Yeah, they are ready to be involved, yeah.” – Mikel Arteta, when asked if Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are ‘fit enough to start’
Without saying that defender Ezri Konsa is about to be bought, Arteta heavily implied it.
“We are really active in the market, I think I mentioned that a few days ago. The ambition is to improve the squad. We have a really specific issue in the backline, especially with the long-term injury of Willy [Saliba] and the fact that we miss one more defender; that’s clear. So, we are trying to reinforce that area. Whenever we’re ready, we’ll announce something.” – Mikel Arteta
