Mikel Arteta calls on Arsenal to build momentum after Community Shield victory over Manchester City
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Arsenal will tonight hope Bruno Guimaraes is available for their Premier League opener against Coventry as the new season begins at the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazilian came off at half-time in the Community Shield last weekend and was seen with an ice pack strapped to his right thigh.
However, the issue is not believed to be a serious one and Mikel Arteta provided a positive update in his pre-match press conference.
"Let's see how it is," Arteta said. "He's evolving really well, but let's see for [Friday]."
Guimaraes' availability will likely have a big say on what role Declan Rice plays at the Emirates.
Rice was given an extended break after the World Cup and has made just one appearance this summer since returning, playing the 45 minutes when replacing Guimaraes last weekend.
If Guimaraes is fit, Arteta could be tempted to further ease Rice back into action and give him more minutes off the bench.
Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes
There is a similar decision to be made on the right wing, with Bukayo Saka also having had very limited playing time since joining back up with the squad.
In defence, Ezri Konsa is set to be announced as a new £55million signing, but a debut against Coventry is unlikely, meaning Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera are expected to continue on the right side of defence.
Christos Tzolis' performances this summer have made him the clear first- choice at left wing and Kai Havertz will also expect to keep his place.
Arsenal are still without Jurrien Timber and William Saliba.
Timber is yet to return to first-team training and is still weeks away from returning. It is likely to be months until Saliba is available after a long-term back injury.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapie; Guimaraes, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz
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Injured: Timber, Saliba
Doubt: Guimaraes
Time and date: 8pm BST on Friday, August 21, 2026
How to watch: Sky Sports
Venue: Emirates Stadium