Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes will miss the club’s Premier League season opener against Coventry City after sustaining a groin injury during his debut. The £75 million Brazilian recruit started in last Sunday’s Community Shield triumph over Manchester City but was substituted at halftime following the injury, with Declan Rice taking his place.
Manager Mikel Arteta confirmed the setback in his pre-match comments, explaining that Guimaraes had experienced a minor groin strain. Arteta noted the midfielder’s limited preparation time before his first appearance, having only joined the squad days before the Community Shield. Myles Lewis-Skelly was selected to partner Rice in midfield for Friday’s fixture, while fellow midfielders Mikel Merino and Martin Zubimendi remained among the substitutes.
The injury compounds Arsenal’s defensive concerns heading into the new campaign, as the club also remains without key defenders William Saliba and Jurrien Timber. In response, Arsenal finalized the signing of Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for £51 million on Friday, bolstering their backline options. The 28-year-old England international signed a four-year contract and could make his debut against his former club.
Arsenal additionally made changes to their squad selection, notably excluding forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus as the club seeks to offload both Brazilian players before the transfer deadline on September 1. Attacking midfielder Ethan Nwaneri was included on the bench for the season opener.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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