Mikel Arteta provides big injury update on Bruno Guimaraes after Coventry game
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a big injury update on midfielder Bruno Guimaraes following the 3-0 win over Coventry City in the Premier League opener on Friday night.
The Gunners started their league title defence with a convincing victory over the Sky Blues at the Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz opened the scoring for the London giants before Bukayo Saka doubled the lead.
Martin Odegaard put the gloss on the performance with a third early into the second half. Speaking after the game, Arteta was asked multiple questions, including about Guimaraes’ fitness.
The club’s summer signing picked up a knock during the 3-0 Community Shield win over Manchester City in Cardiff last weekend, and he was deemed unfit to make the matchday squad yesterday.
Journalist Luke Edwards claimed the 28-year-old could be out for a ‘few weeks’, but Arteta clarified that won’t be the case and hinted he could recover for the Aston Villa game on August 31.
He told Arsenal.com: “We expect him not to be out for weeks. Let’s see how he evolves this week – he wanted to carry on, and that’s when you start to understand the character of the player, but I don’t think that’s a big issue.”
Guimaraes had a solid competitive debut for the Gunners against Man City. The Brazilian was substituted at the interval and was spotted with an ice pack on his right thigh on the bench.
In his pre-match presser, Arteta was not overly concerned about the situation. The Spanish tactician has now clarified that the midfielder has a chance to be involved against the Villans on the road.
Arsenal made the perfect start against Coventry at the Emirates yesterday. Odegaard earned the man of the match for a second straight game, but Christos Tzolis was equally brilliant.
The Greek has been impressive in every outing for the Gunners since pre-season. He showcased a terrific work rate and played a big part in the opening two goals against the Sky Blues.
There was much talk about missing out on Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers earlier in the transfer window, but Tzolis has proved that he could make the left wing position his own.
Arteta will most likely name an unchanged XI for the visit to Villa Park on August 31.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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