Arsenal have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their Premier League opener
Arsenal begin the defence of their Premier League title tonight, hosting newly promoted Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.
The fixture marks the Gunners’ league test of the season after being crowned champions last term.
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Jurrien Timber and William Saliba remain unavailable for Arsenal. Timber has not returned to full training since undergoing treatment on a groin injury, while Saliba continues to be sidelined by a back problem.
Amid the build-up to kick-off, attention has shifted to developments in Arsenal’s midfield.
According to journalist Luke Edwards, Bruno Guimaraes has suffered what he described as “an untimely injury at the start of his Arsenal career.”
Edwards said the timeline remains uncertain, adding that he had been “told it could be a few weeks.”
Guimaraes joined Arsenal from Newcastle United this summer in a £75 million deal. He featured in Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Community Shield, but was substituted at half-time and later pictured with ice strapped to his thigh.
Arteta addressed the issue when asked whether Guimaraes would be involved against Coventry.
“Let’s see how he is,” the Arsenal manager said. “He’s evolving really well but let’s see for tomorrow.”
Should Guimaraes be forced to sit out, Arteta has options in central midfield.
Martin Zubimendi and Myles Lewis-Skelly are both available, giving the manager cover even with a key summer arrival potentially missing the opening weeks of the campaign.
While Arsenal are set to begin their campaign tonight, Liverpool will open their Premier League season on Sunday when they travel to face Newcastle United.
The fixture at St James’ Park will mark the start of a new era under Andoni Iraola, who must make an important decision over Virgil van Dijk’s defensive partner.
Joe Gomez remains unavailable after suffering an injury during pre-season, while Giovanni Leoni is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. That leaves Roanld Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet as the senior centre-back options available to Iraola.
Both defenders featured for 45 minutes in Liverpool’s final pre-season friendly against Como last weekend. Jacquet made an immediate impression at Anfield, scoring shortly before half-time.
However, Jacquet’s limited preparation could influence Iraola’s decision. The French defender dealt with fitness problems during pre-season and has had limited competitive football in recent months after undergoing shoulder surgery in February while still at Rennes.
With Liverpool’s opening fixture now approaching, Iraola may therefore have to carefully manage Jacquet’s involvement when deciding who will partner Van Dijk at the heart of the defence.
Hearing Bruno Guimaraes has picked up an untimely injury at the start of his Arsenal career. Not sure how long he’s out for yet but told it could be a few weeks. #arsenal #nufc
— Luke Edwards (@LukeEdwardsTele) August 21, 2026