Arsenal have received encouraging news over Bruno Guimarães and Jurrien Timber ahead of Sunday’s Premier League showdown with Chelsea, while Mikel Arteta has also played down concerns surrounding Cristhian Mosquera.
The Gunners host Xabi Alonso’s side at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday having won both of their opening Premier League matches without conceding.
Thursday’s training session created concern when Bruno and Mosquera were not spotted with the group, but Arteta has now provided a more positive update.
London derby ready 👊 pic.twitter.com/YI83tUXoYL
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) September 4, 2026
Bruno Guimarães expected back in Arsenal training
Bruno suffered a knock during Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over Aston Villa and subsequently missed Thursday’s open training session.
Arteta confirmed the £75million midfielder has been assessed and is expected to return to training on Saturday.
“He had a knock against Villa in the previous game,” Arteta said, adding that Bruno will “probably” be able to train on Saturday.
That significantly improves his chances of being available against Chelsea.
Arsenal had already been monitoring several fitness concerns ahead of the game, as covered in our latest Arsenal injury update.
Bruno’s availability would give Arteta another major midfield option alongside Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Martín Zubimendi and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
Timber could make Chelsea return
The biggest surprise concerns Timber.
The Netherlands international has yet to feature this season after his injury problems continued into the summer, but he is now training with the first team.
Arsenal’s official update quotes Arteta describing Timber as being in “really good condition”.
A final decision on his involvement against Chelsea will be made following Saturday’s training session.
That makes a return this weekend a genuine possibility.
Mosquera also remains in contention despite being withdrawn at Villa Park and missing Thursday’s session.
Arteta described his substitution as “more precaution than anything else”, although the defender will still need to be assessed on Saturday.
Ezri Konsa is fully available should Mosquera miss out.
Our current Arsenal predicted XI against Chelsea will therefore need another look once Saturday’s session is complete.
William Saliba remains unavailable.
Arteta says Arsenal cannot yet put an exact number of weeks on the defender’s absence because his return depends on the healing process.
For now, however, the overall picture is considerably more encouraging than Thursday’s training session initially suggested.
£75m Arsenal signing misses training as Chelsea concern grows
£75m Arsenal signing misses training as Chelsea concern grows
Arsenal injury news: Mosquera boost as Saliba and Timber set to miss Chelsea
Arsenal Injuries