Arsenal's Premier League season has been hit with a massive blow hours before their curtain raiser with new signing Bruno Guimaraes "facing weeks out" on the sidelines.
The Gunners kick off their defence of the Premier League crown on Friday (August 21) evening as they clash with Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium. However, they will have to do so without their blockbuster signing Guimaraes.
Untimely injury for new signing
According to the Telegraph, the Brazilian, who signed from Newcastle for £75million earlier this summer, has picked up an "untimely injury" and it could mean a spell on the sidelines "for a few weeks."
Guimaraes featured in Arsenal's final pre-season clash with Como before starting in their Community Shield triumph over Manchester City last weekend.
Mikel Arteta confirmed in his pre-match press conference, before his Coventry clash, he harboured injury concerns for the Brazilian.
"Let's see," Arteta told the media when asked about the former Newcastle star. "It's evolving well, but let's see."
Defensive duo also missing
Arsenal will also be out the defensive duo of William Saliba and Jurrien Timber for their opening match of the season. Saliba is recovering from a back problem while Timber has not started a game since March when he picked up a groin injury that derailed his season.
Speaking ahead of the clash, on what it takes to defend their crown, Arteta said: "Those teams have an incredible quality, which is to maintain the standards daily at the highest level.
"It is an opportunity that we have. I have no question that our players have that desire and the ambition to do that. Now it's something that we have to earn and do daily."
