Bruno Guimaraes is missing from Arsenal's squad to face Coventry after picking up a groin injury on his debut for the club.
Arsenal's new £75million signing made his debut when he started their 3-0 win against Manchester City in the Community Shield last Sunday. But he suffered a knock and was replaced by Declan Rice at half-time.
He was not in the squad named by Arteta for Friday's Premier League opener against Coventry, with Myles Lewis-Skelly starting in midfield alongside Rice.
Arteta explains the injury
“He had a slight tension in his groin,” Arteta told Sky Sports. “He hasn't done a pre-season, he only had four or five days before that game and we had to take him out. It's a lot of new stuff for him as well. We need to take it bit by bit.”
Arsenal starting XI vs Coventry: Raya; White, Gabriel, Mosquera, Calafiori; Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Odegaard; Saka, Tzolis, Havertz.
While transfer-linked Ethan Nwaneri was named on the substitutes' bench, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus were not included in the squad at the Emirates Stadium. Arsenal are hoping to sell the Brazilian duo before the transfer window closes on September 1.
Further absentees and new signing
In his pre-match press conference on Thursday, Arteta was asked about Guimaraes and replied: “Let's see how he is. He's evolving really well, but let's see for tomorrow.”
Arsenal are also without key defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba. Timber suffered a groin injury which ruled him out of the World Cup, while Saliba picked up a back injury while playing for France in North America.
The Gunners have signed Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for £51million to provide cover for Saliba. The 28-year-old England international's arrival was announced on Friday. He has signed a four-year contract and could make his debut against his former club.
“I’m super excited. It's a privilege to be here and can’t wait to get started,” Konsa said. “I want to keep winning, I’m hungry to win and that’s what I’m here for. It's a proud moment for me and my family to play for one of the best teams in the world.”
