Arteta flags Bruno Guimaraes injury doubt ahead of Arsenal's Coventry opener

Mikel Arteta has cast doubt over Bruno Guimaraes’s availability for Arsenal’s pre-season friendly against Coventry on Friday, after the £75m summer signing picked up a knock during last Sunday’s 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City at Wembley.

Guimaraes started that match on debut but was withdrawn at half-time, replaced by Declan Rice. Asked about the Brazilian’s fitness at his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Arteta offered cautious optimism: “Let’s see how he is. He’s evolving really well, but let’s see for tomorrow.”

The news is brighter on Rice and Bukayo Saka, both of whom were given extended rest following England’s World Cup campaign. Arteta confirmed both players are ready to feature, saying simply: “Yes, they’re ready to be involved, yes.”

Defender Jurrien Timber remains sidelined with the groin injury he sustained before the World Cup and has yet to return to group training. Fellow long-term absentee William Saliba is also unavailable in the near term. “He’s not training with the group yet,” Arteta confirmed when asked for a timeline on Timber’s return.

The absences in central defence have accelerated Arsenal’s pursuit of reinforcements before the transfer window closes on 1 September. The club have agreed a £51m deal with Aston Villa for Ezri Konsa, though Arteta remained guarded on the subject. “We are really active in the market,” he said. “We have a really specific issue in the backline, especially with the long-term injury of Wilo [Saliba] and the fact that we miss one more defender — that’s clear. So we are trying to reinforce that area. Whenever we’re ready, we’ll announce something.”

Arteta also moved to end speculation surrounding 19-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, who had reportedly been offered to Manchester United and Chelsea earlier this month. The Arsenal head coach stated the teenager will “100 per cent” remain at the Emirates beyond deadline day.