Mikel Arteta has been handed a boost after confirming Bruno Guimaraes is in contention to make his Arsenal debut.
The Gunners face Aston Villa on Monday night as they continue their Premier League title defence.
And after a £75m move from Newcastle, Bruno Guimaraes’ delayed full debut could take place at Villa Park, having suffered a groin problem before the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
“Yes potentially,” Arteta noted in his pre-match press conference when pushed over the potential for the Brazil international to feature.”
Arteta then denied any concerns remain over the player: “No, we just managed the last few days with him, he’s been out on the pitch doing training sessions but we need to manage the load.
Arteta then shared an update on Jurrien Timber, who could be back soon, with Ben White deputising against Coventry City and Ezri Konsa a potential option having joined for £50m from Villa.
”We have increased his load, if everything goes well then we can step it up again,” Arteta said.
While William Saliba’s return appears to be a way off: “Willy is going to take a while.”
The Gunners could also hand a debut to Konsa, with Arteta revealing that he played a part in identifying the player as a target.
“Yes he’s available,” Arteta said. “He’s trained really well and he will be available for selection.
“I don’t get involved in the deals. We get involved in identifying the players and the talent that we believe are going to make us better. But, at the end, when a club sells a player and a club buys a player, it’s because everybody’s happy with the outcome.
“Well, I hope so, I don’t know,” Arteta added when asked if the Villa fans will give him a good reception. “I’m sure that Ezri will think the same way for what he’s done for the club. But, obviously, this is not down to us.”
