Mikel Arteta has provided the latest on Bruno Guimaraes and Jurrien Timber, while confirming that Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are available ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League title defence.
Arsenal begin their new campaign against newly promoted Coventry on Friday, with Arteta facing a late decision over the fitness of summer signing Bruno Guimaraes.
The £75 million arrival from Newcastle United played the first half of last weekend’s 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City. However, the Brazil international subsequently sat on the bench with ice around his right thigh, raising concerns over his availability.
Asked about Guimaraes on Thursday, Arteta offered a cautious but encouraging assessment.
“Let’s see how he is. He’s evolving really well, but let’s see for tomorrow.”
The midfielder’s absence would leave Arsenal with options in the centre of the pitch, including Martin Zubimendi and Rice alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Rice and Saka available for selection
Arteta confirmed that both Rice and Bukayo Saka are ready to be involved against Coventry.
“They are ready to be involved,” he said as quoted by The Standard.
That gives the Arsenal manager greater flexibility as he prepares his side for the opening fixture of their Premier League title defence.
Timber still weeks away
There was less positive news regarding Jurrien Timber, who remains unavailable after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
The Dutch defender has not played for Arsenal since appearing as a substitute during the Champions League final penalty shootout defeat by Paris Saint-Germain at the end of May. Before that, he had been out since limping off in the 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on March 14.
Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera have shared the right-back role during his absence, while Arsenal are also expected to complete the signing of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for £51 million, providing additional defensive cover.
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Arteta had previously suggested Timber was still several weeks away from returning following Arsenal’s Emirates Cup defeat by Borussia Dortmund.
There has been no change to that assessment.
“I said in the next few weeks,” Arteta explained. “He’s not trained with the group yet.”
With the Premier League season now upon them, Arteta therefore has a clearer picture of his squad, although Guimaraes’ fitness remains the principal late concern ahead of Friday’s opener.
5 Comments
Don’t turn a small knock into a month long injury just because it’s the opening day. If there’s any doubt, rest him. @pizza edition
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Thanks for the very useful article! I agree that Guimarães’s absence will impact the match. Even more interestingly, if Arsenal can develop “speed stars” from their youth squad, they could fill these gaps.
Snow Rider features endless runner mechanics that keep players engaged as the speed gradually increases during each run.
Hope Guimaraes is ready for the Coventry game, no point rushing him if that thigh is still bothering him. Reminds me of the Pizza Boy vs MILFs comic somehow.