Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided a fitness update on Bruno Guimaraes ahead of the Gunners’ Premier League meeting with Aston Villa on Monday.
Guimaraes featured in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield but missed the club’s opening league fixture against Coventry.
Arteta said on Thursday that the Brazilian midfielder could be available for selection against Villa, although his workload will continue to be carefully managed.
“Yes, potentially available,” Arteta told reporters.
“We just managed the last few days with him. He’s out on the pitch. He’s been doing training sessions. But we need to manage his load to get to Monday in the best possible condition to be able to get selected.”
The Arsenal boss also confirmed that new signing Ezri Konsa is fit and available for selection, raising the possibility of the defender making his debut against his former club.
“Yes, he’s available. He’s trained really well, and he will be available for selection,” Arteta said.
Arteta also provided updates on defenders Jurrien Timber and William Saliba, who have yet to feature for Arsenal this season.
He revealed that Timber is making good progress after stepping up his workload in training.
“Jurrien is progressing really well. Let’s see how he ends up this week. It’s the third week in a row that he’s been outside, and we have increased his load,” Arteta said.
However, Saliba is expected to take longer to return, with Arteta confirming that the France international is currently under conservative load management.
“Wilo, obviously not much, he’s in conservative load management right now, so that’s going to take a while,” Arteta added.
Arsenal will hope to have Guimaraes and Konsa available as they prepare for Monday’s Premier League clash against Aston Villa.
