Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes is back on the training pitch and could return for Monday night’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa, Mikel Arteta has confirmed.
The £75million summer signing missed Arsenal’s 3-0 opening victory over Coventry City after suffering a minor injury during the Community Shield.
Guimaraes had subsequently been managed carefully in training, creating uncertainty over whether he would be ready for Arsenal’s first away league fixture.
There has now been significant progress.
Bruno Guimaraes could return for Arsenal against Aston Villa
Speaking ahead of the trip to Villa Park, Arteta confirmed Guimaraes has resumed work on the pitch.
“He’s out on the pitch, he’s been training sessions. But we need to manage the load to get to Monday in the best possible condition to be available to be selected. He’s potentially available.”
It is an encouraging development after our latest Arsenal injury update placed Guimaraes among the players Arteta was monitoring.
The Brazilian could therefore make his Premier League debut for Arsenal at Villa Park on Monday.
There was further positive news surrounding Ezri Konsa. Arteta confirmed the former Villa defender has trained well and is available for selection against his old club.
Jurrien Timber is not yet ready, although Arteta revealed the defender is progressing well and could increase his workload again next week.
Guimaraes remains the immediate focus.
Arsenal have several midfield options available, but the summer signing was brought in to become an important part of Arteta’s side. His return ahead of a difficult away fixture would give the manager another major selection decision.
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