Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has moved to reassure fans over the fitness of summer signing Bruno Guimaraes, saying he does not expect the injury to keep the Brazilian out for a prolonged period. The midfielder missed the club's opening Premier League match against Coventry City, which Arsenal won 3-0.
Arteta Addresses Guimaraes Fitness After Coventry Win
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Arteta described the problem as a slight tension in the midfielder's groin and pushed back against suggestions that the player could be missing for several weeks. Guimaraes, who joined Arsenal from Newcastle United in a deal worth £75 million, played in the Community Shield but was absent for the Premier League opener.
Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and captain Martin Odegaard scored as the defending champions began their title defence with a victory over the newly-promoted side.
Arteta: 'We Expect That Not to Be Weeks at All'
"No, no, no. We expect that not to be weeks at all. Let's see how he evolves this week. He didn't even want to stop. He wanted to carry on," Arteta said via the London Evening Standard. "Now we start to understand the character of the player, but I don't expect that to be a big issue."
The manager's optimistic assessment will come as a relief, particularly given the fixtures immediately ahead. Arsenal travel away to Aston Villa before hosting London rivals Chelsea, two matches that carry significant weight in the early stages of the season.
Impact on Arsenal's Squad Depth and Upcoming Fixtures
Arteta will be hoping Guimaraes can return to training quickly and prove his readiness before either of those contests. The midfielder's arrival was seen as a key addition to Arsenal's midfield, and his absence, even briefly, leaves the squad with less depth in that area at a critical time.
How quickly Guimaraes responds to treatment over the coming days will determine whether he is available for either fixture.
