Bruno Guimaraes is absent from Arsenal's squad for their Premier League opener against Coventry at the Emirates Stadium. The Brazilian midfielder was withdrawn at half-time during last weekend's Community Shield and was seen with an ice pack on his right thigh.
Mikel Arteta provided a positive update on the injury in his pre-match press conference, but Guimaraes is denied a competitive home debut. "Let's see how it is," Arteta said. "He's evolving really well, but let's see for [Friday]."
Rice returns to midfield
Guimaraes' absence has influenced Declan Rice's role. Rice was given an extended break after the World Cup and has made just one appearance this summer, playing 45 minutes when replacing Guimaraes last weekend. With Guimaraes not fit, Arteta has brought Rice back into action.
A similar decision has been made on the right wing, with Bukayo Saka also having had very limited playing time since rejoining the squad.
Defensive and attacking decisions
In defence, Ezri Konsa has been announced as a new £55million signing, but a debut against Coventry has been ruled out. Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera continue on the right side of defence.
Christos Tzolis' performances this summer have made him the clear first choice at left wing, and Kai Havertz will also expect to keep his place. Arsenal are still without Jurrien Timber and William Saliba. Timber is yet to return to first-team training and is still weeks away from returning, while Saliba is likely to be out for months after a long-term back injury.
Confirmed team news
Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Tzolis, Havertz.
Substitutes: Arrizabalaga, Hincapie, Zubimendi, Merino, Eze, Nwaneri, Madueke, Dowman, Gyokeres.
Injured: Timber, Saliba, Guimaraes.
Time and date: 8pm BST on Friday, August 21, 2026.
How to watch: Sky Sports.
Venue: Emirates Stadium.
