Bruno Guimarães is still a late call for Arsenal’s opener against Coventry. Mikel Arteta said, “Let's see how he is. He's evolving really well but let's see for tomorrow.” Guimarães completed his £75million move from Newcastle earlier this month, played the first half of the Community Shield against Manchester City, and was later spotted with an icepack on his leg while sat on the bench.
Guimarães remains a late check
The caution around him is only really about timing. Arteta also said, “They are ready to be involved,” which at least leaves Arsenal with options for Arsenal vs Coventry. Guimarães had 45 minutes in the Community Shield and a 6.6 rating there, so this is a fitness question after a controlled first outing rather than a player who has been heavily loaded.
Arsenal have won their last five competitive matches, and they will want the opener to start the same way. The issue with Guimarães is still open, not settled.
Timber is still weeks away
Jurriën Timber is the longer-term problem. Arteta said, “I said in the next few weeks. He's not trained with the group yet.” Timber has not featured for Arsenal since his substitute appearance in the Champions League final penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain at the end of May.
His last Arsenal outing in the league lasted 38 minutes against Everton on 14 March, and the injury absence has already run long enough to affect the right side of the squad. For Arsenal, the immediate focus is whether Guimarães makes it, while Timber stays out until later in the month.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
