**Arsenal predicted XI vs Como could feature a first appearance for Bruno Guimaraes as Mikel Arteta prepares his side for their final pre-season friendly on Wednesday night.**
The £75million summer signing was presented to supporters before Sunday’s defeat against Borussia Dortmund but did not feature in the matchday squad.
Guimaraes has since continued training with his new teammates and could now be given his first Arsenal minutes at the Emirates. The [London Standard reports](https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-xi-vs-como-guimaraes-debut-confirmed-team-news-predicted-lineup-injury-latest-friendly-b1293014.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) that Arteta could even start the Brazilian before managing his minutes.
Bukayo Saka and David Raya have also returned earlier than initially expected after their World Cup involvement. [ReadArsenal reported on Tuesday that both players cut their holidays short](https://readarsenal.com/2026/08/11/two-arsenal-stars-cut-holidays-short-to-return-to-pre-season-early/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), although Saka may not be rushed back against Como.
Raya could return in goal and potentially share the match with either Kepa Arrizabalaga or Illan Meslier as Arteta continues to spread minutes across his squad.
Defence remains a concern. William Saliba is unavailable and Jurrien Timber is still weeks away from returning, while Ben White has already played significant minutes after recovering from his knee injury.
That could open another opportunity for youngster Marli Salmon alongside Cristhian Mosquera and Gabriel.
Guimaraes is the obvious player to watch in midfield. Arsenal will want him up to speed quickly ahead of Sunday’s Community Shield against Manchester City, and Wednesday offers Arteta a relatively low-risk opportunity to begin integrating him.
Ethan Nwaneri also deserves another opportunity after scoring against Dortmund. The teenager made an immediate impact after coming on at half-time on Sunday and continues to push for a significant role in Arteta’s squad.
Gabriel Martinelli could receive further minutes after his delayed return from the World Cup, while Kai Havertz is another option to lead the attack if Arteta decides to manage Viktor Gyokeres’ workload.
**Predicted Arsenal XI:** Raya; Mosquera, Salmon, Gabriel, Hincapie; Guimaraes, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, Odegaard, Martinelli; Havertz.
The bigger objective will be getting key players through the evening safely before Arsenal’s competitive campaign begins against Manchester City.