Bruno Guimaraes has been ruled out of Arsenal's Premier League opener against Coventry, denying the summer signing a competitive home debut.
The Brazilian made his first start for the club last weekend in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City. However, Guimaraes came off at half-time in Cardiff and was pictured with an ice pack strapped to his right thigh.
Arteta's pre-match update
Asked about that injury at his pre-match press conference, Arteta indicated it was not a serious one. "Let's see how he is," the Arsenal manager said. "He's evolving really well, but let's see for tomorrow."
However, Guimaraes has been left out of the matchday squad to face Coventry, making it a frustrating start to his Arsenal career.
Arsenal lineup changes
In his absence, Declan Rice starts for the first time this summer, alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly. There has been speculation over Lewis-Skelly's future in recent weeks, but Arteta put that to bed on Thursday when confirming that the 19-year-old would "100%" be at the club at the end of the transfer window.
Arteta has also opted to start Bukayo Saka in a strong lineup at the Emirates Stadium. After an extended break following the World Cup, Saka played no part in pre-season and then only came off the bench for 30 minutes in the win over City. Despite those limited minutes, Arteta has brought Saka straight into the side to kick off the Premier League title defence, preferring him to Noni Madueke and Max Dowman.
Other absentees
Gabriel Martinelli misses out on the matchday squad as doubts over his future continue. Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson have also been left out, with the club looking to sell them before the end of the window.
Ethan Nwaneri does make the bench against Coventry, though it is believed Arsenal are still open to loaning him out this season.
