Soccer
Arteta provides Guimaraes fitness update ahead of Arsenal vs. Coventry
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Arsenal begin the defence of their Premier League title on Friday night against Coventry City, and supporters are itching to see their new signings in action.
Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis are the standout arrivals at the Emirates so far, strengthening the hub of Mikel Arteta's midfield and the left wing.
However, there have been doubts over the Brazil international's fitness after he was pictured holding an ice pack against his right leg after he was substituted at half-time in the Gunners' 3-0 win over Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Arteta has been speaking to the press ahead of the opener and provided an update on his new signing.
Bruno Guimaraes a doubt to face Coventry City
Arteta has several fitness concerns ahead of the clash with the Sky Blues, with Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Guimaraes all question marks.
Rice and Saka both came on from the bench against City and are expected to be fit to face Frank Lampard's men on Friday night.
However, speaking to the press ahead of the game, Arteta confirmed that Guimaraes is a doubt and will be checked tomorrow.
"Let's see. It's evolving well, but let's see," he said when asked for an update on the midfielder's fitness.
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Who could replace Guimaraes?
If Rice is fit enough to start, then it would make sense for the England international to partner Myles Lewis-Skelley in a midfield two with Martin Odegaard in the 10.
Odegaard captained the Gunners last weekend and is in better form heading into the new season, while Lewis-Skelley has proven his capability in midfield.
Other options include Eberechi Eze and Martin Zubimendi, although they are expected to start on the bench as Arsenal strive to make a statement win on the opening day.
Guimaraes' absence would be a blow for the North Londoners as they would surely have liked to settle him in against weaker opposition, but Arteta is well stocked to cope without him.
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