Arsenal will tonight hope Bruno Guimaraes is available for their Premier League opener against Coventry as the new season begins at the Emirates Stadium.
The Brazilian came off at half-time in the Community Shield last weekend and was seen with an ice pack strapped to his right thigh.
However, the issue is not believed to be serious, with Arteta offering a positive update during his pre-match press conference.
“Let’s see how it is,” Arteta said. “He’s evolving really well, but let’s see for [Friday].”
Guimaraes’ fitness could have a significant impact on how Arteta manages Declan Rice’s return to competitive action.
Rice was given an extended break after the World Cup and has made just one appearance this summer since returning, playing the 45 minutes when replacing Guimaraes last weekend.
If Guimaraes is fit, Arteta could be tempted to further ease Rice back into action and give him more minutes off the bench.
However, the issue is not believed to be a serious one and Mikel Arteta provided a positive update in his pre-match press conference.
Rice was given an extended break following the World Cup and has made just one appearance since returning to the squad, playing the second half after replacing Guimaraes at the weekend.
Should Guimaraes be declared fit, Arteta could opt to ease Rice back into action by limiting him to a substitute appearance, rather than immediately handing him a full start.
In defence, Ezri Konsa is expected to be officially announced as Arsenal’s latest £55 million signing, but a debut against Coventry appears unlikely. Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera are consequently expected to continue on the right side of the defence.
Christos Tzolis has impressed throughout pre-season and looks to have established himself as the first-choice option on the left wing, while Kai Havertz is also expected to retain his place in the starting XI.
Arsenal will, however, still be without Jurrien Timber and William Saliba.
Timber is yet to return to first-team training and remains weeks away from a comeback, while Saliba faces a considerably longer spell on the sidelines following a long-term back injury.
With Arteta having several fitness and selection decisions to make ahead of the opener, Arsenal could line up against Coventry as follows:
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Hincapie; Guimaraes, Lewis-Skelly; Saka, Odegaard, Tzolis; Havertz.
