Bruno Guimaraes missed Arsenal's opening Premier League fixture against Coventry City after being omitted from the matchday squad. The midfielder picked up the injury during the Gunners' Community Shield victory.
Arteta confirms groin issue
Mikel Arteta revealed that the Brazilian is suffering from a groin problem after being thrust into action last weekend with little time to prepare. Guimaraes completed his transfer from Newcastle a week before the match as the Magpies raked in £75m.
While Arteta had suggested that the midfielder was 'evolving well' in his press conference, the Spaniard provided a more concerning update immediately ahead of the clash with Coventry. During a pre-match interview with Sky Sports, Arteta said: "He had a slight tension in his groin, he hasn't done a pre-season. He had only four or five days before that game (Community Shield). It is a lot of new stuff for him as well, and we need to take it bit-by-bit."
Arteta's earlier praise
Following Arsenal's £75m capture of Guimaraes from Newcastle United earlier this month, Arteta predicted he would elevate his squad to another level. The Gunners manager stated: "You can see the immediate reaction. I think he describes himself as a warrior. I think he's a warrior with a tremendous quality as well, and intuition, and leadership, and charisma that is going to help us, that is going to really ignite something different in the team. I think he's going to push everybody inside the team as well, and that's the type of player that we need."
Newcastle's search for a replacement
Newcastle, meanwhile, remain in search of a replacement for their talisman. The club have added youthful options in Sean Steur and Aladji Bambe this summer, but are in the market for a more experienced head. With just days remaining of the transfer window, Matthias Jaissle suggested the club do not feel under pressure to make a move at any cost. "We want to be efficient in the transfer market, but also smart in our approach so we only do the right things, we don't feel hectic or the pressure from outside, we go our way."
