Bruno Guimaraes is in line to make his Arsenal debut in tonight's friendly against Como. The new £75million midfielder was paraded in front of fans ahead of kick-off against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday, but was not involved in the matchday squad.
Fitness and Possible Start
Guimaraes had already started training with his new team-mates before that game and has continued to do so over the last couple of days as he builds his fitness. Mikel Arteta could opt to start Guimaraes and play him for 30 minutes, as he did with Martin Odegaard against Dortmund and some of the other late returners from the World Cup earlier in pre-season.
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are among those back in training but this match is likely to come too soon for them. David Raya could play some part, though, potentially getting 45 minutes and splitting the goalkeeper duties with Kepa Arrizabalaga or Illan Meslier.
Defensive Options and Team News
With Jurrien Timber still weeks away from returning and William Saliba a long-term absentee, Arteta is slightly short of options on the right side of his defence. That could lead to him being cautious with Ben White's fitness. The right-back recovered from an MCL injury over the summer and has played a significant part in pre-season.
However, with the Community Shield looming on Sunday, Arteta could opt to avoid risking White before that and instead bring in Marli Salmon for this friendly. Kai Havertz's minutes in pre-season have largely been in midfield but this is an opportunity to potentially start him up front.
Predicted Lineup and Match Details
Christos Tzolis has been impressive this summer and registered another assist against Dortmund. He might drop to the bench here, though, with Arteta now having Gabriel Martinelli back and looking to get more minutes in his legs.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Mosquera, Salmon, Gabriel, Hincapie; Guimaraes, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, Odegaard, Martinelli; Havertz. Injured: Timber, Saliba. Time and date: 7.30pm on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Venue: Emirates Stadium, London. How to watch: Arsenal YouTube.
