Arteta Grapples With Injury Scares and Transfer Push as Arsenal Launch Title Defense
Gunners navigate injuries and finalize Ezri Konsa transfer ahead of Coventry City clash
Mikel Arteta faces immediate tactical adjustments for Arsenal’s Premier League opener, with recent signing Bruno Guimaraes doubtful to feature as the champions begin their title defense.
The Gunners open their league campaign on Friday evening against newly promoted Coventry City at Emirates Stadium.
Guimaraes remains a fitness uncertainty after exiting at halftime during Arsenal’s 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City last Sunday.
“Let’s see how it is,” Arteta told his pre-match press conference when asked about Guimaraes.
“He’s evolving really well, but let’s see for tomorrow.”
While Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are cleared to play, full-back Jurrien Timber has not returned to squad training while recovering from a groin injury.
To address defensive gaps, Arsenal are finalizing a deal with Aston Villa for centre-back Ezri Konsa to lessen the impact of William Saliba’s long-term injury.
Saliba’s prolonged absence leaves Arsenal short on proven central defensive options after the French international anchored a defense that conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League last season.
On their remaining transfer business, Arteta said: “We are really active in the market. I think I mentioned that a few days ago. The ambition is to improve the squad.
“Obviously we have a really specific issue in the back line, especially with the long term injury of Willi and the fact that we miss one more defender that’s clear. So we are trying to reinforce that area. Whenever we’re ready, we’ll announce something.
“I’m always positive, I’m always confident. It’s something that I cannot control. It doesn’t depend just on us. So we are willing to improve that area, and we’re going to try our best to achieve that.”
One player who has been linked with a move away from North London is Myles Lewis-Skelly, whose versatility came to the fore last season as he was used in midfield as well as at the back.
And Arteta made the Gunners’ stance on a Lewis-Skelly transfer clear.
Pressed on whether the 19-year-old would be staying at the club, Arteta replied: “100 per cent.”
