The latest Arsenal team news, injury updates and predicted XI ahead of their Premier League fixture against Aston Villa.
Arsenal continue the defence of their Premier League title when they face an Aston Villa side in upheaval on Monday evening – but while the Gunners’ problems pale into insignificance compared to those faced by their opponents, Mikel Arteta still has some selection issues to contend with ahead of kick-off.
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Bruno Guimarães and Jurriën Timber are carrying injury problems into the weekend, while transfer speculation could mean that Gabriel Martinelli is omitted from the squad. Meanwhile, new signing Ezri Konsa could make his debut against his former side.
Ahead of the weekend, we’ve collected all of the latest Arsenal team news and injury updates below, along with our prediction for Arteta’s starting line-up.
Will Guimarães or Timber be fit for Arsenal?
Bruno Guimarães featured in the Community Shield but was absent against Coventry Cityplaceholder image
Bruno Guimarães featured in the Community Shield but was absent against Coventry City | Getty Images
Summer signing Bruno Guimarães missed the opening match of the new campaign against Coventry City due to a minor groin injury, but could make his first league appearance in red and white on Monday after training during the week.
Arteta told the media on Thursday that the Brazilian was “potentially available” but he will face a late fitness test to ensure his readiness. He may have to settle for a place on the bench if he’s not fully ready, with Myles Lewis-Skelly hoping to keep his place after a strong start to the season.
Right-back Timber, meanwhile, is said to be “progressing really well” as he works towards his comeback from a groin injury which has restricted the Dutchman to just one appearance since March. Arteta hinted that the 25-year-old was “on the right trajectory” but it would be a surprise if he was passed fit to play on Monday evening.
Arsenal will still have to make do without the services of William Saliba, who is expected to be out for at least two more months after aggravating an existing back injury while on international duty with France at the World Cup. No return date has yet been set.
Will Ezri Konsa play against Aston Villa?
Ezri Konsa's transfer to Arsenal was worth up to £55m including add-onsplaceholder image
Ezri Konsa's transfer to Arsenal was worth up to £55m including add-ons | Getty Images
New signing Konsa was presented to the crowd at the Emirates during the 3-0 win over Coventry and could be in line to make his debut against his former side, with Arteta telling the press that the 28-year-old was “available” and had “trained really well” during the week.
It’s unclear whether Konsa will be thrown straight into the starting line-up or whether he will have to settle for a place on the bench. Aston Villa gave the defender an extended break following his exploits at the World Cup, and he took no part in any of their pre-season matches. It may be that Konsa plays less than the full 90 minutes as he builds up full match fitness, and Cristhian Mosquera could retain his starting place on Monday.
It’s currently unlikely that winger Gabriel Martinelli will be involved, with the Brazilian winger held out of training amid negotiations over a move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. Even if that deal were to collapse for any reason, it’s unlikely that Martinelli would be named in the squad. Striker Gabriel Jesus has also been excluded from first-team activities as Arsenal work to find him a new club.
Arsenal predicted line-up vs. Aston Villa (4-2-3-1): Raya; Calafiori, Gabriel, Mosquera, White; Lewis-Skelly, Rice; Tzolis, Ødegaard, Saka; Havertz.