Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Bruno Guimaraes is a doubt for today’s Premier League opener against promoted Coventry City. The new arrival’s fitness is an early concern as Arsenal begin their title defence, with Arteta stressing the need to keep his squad available.
The Brazil international moved from Newcastle United this month in a transfer reportedly worth £75 million ($102 million). Guimaraes was seen applying ice to his leg after being substituted during Sunday’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
Quick facts
- Arsenal face promoted Coventry City in their Premier League opener.
- Bruno Guimaraes is recovering from a leg problem.
- The midfielder joined Arsenal from Newcastle United for a reported £75 million.
- Guimaraes is 28 years old.
“The recovery is going in the right direction, but we will have to wait and see,” Arteta said on Thursday when asked about Guimaraes.
Arsenal’s challenge last season was undermined by a series of injuries, which sidelined important players at decisive stages. Kai Havertz, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus were among those who spent extended periods unavailable.
Arteta said Arsenal must improve squad availability if they are to create a stronger advantage over their rivals. Greater control of matches and wider winning margins, he added, will depend partly on having key players fit in specific positions.
Arsenal have collected 14 English top-flight championships, the third-highest total, but have never successfully defended a Premier League crown. They did, however, win three successive titles during the 1930s, and Arteta believes the mood around this campaign is unlike previous seasons.
“I feel positive, and this feels different,” Arteta said. He described himself as more enthusiastic and driven than before, insisting there is no doubt about his players’ ambition, while warning that the required standards must be maintained every day.
Arsenal are also working to strengthen their defence. Reports have claimed the club has reached a £51 million agreement with Aston Villa for England centre-back Ezri Konsa.
Arteta declined to confirm the deal, saying the club would provide an announcement once everything was ready.
The manager also dismissed speculation that versatile teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly could leave Arsenal. Arteta said he was completely certain the 19-year-old would stay.
However, he accepted that departures may still be necessary, with Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri among the players linked with moves away.
Arteta acknowledged the difficulty of such decisions, saying they must be handled with complete honesty and openness.
He added that every relationship has a beginning and an ending, and that when a player’s time at the club finishes, Arsenal’s responsibility is to manage the separation with respect and appreciation. Even so, difficult calls will ultimately have to be made.
