Arsenal begin the defence of their Premier League title on Friday night filled with optimism after their Community Shield dismantling of Manchester City, but Mikel Arteta must still contend with key absences as newly promoted Coventry City arrive at Emirates Stadium.
Here is the latest team news, injury updates and predicted line-ups ahead of Arsenal’s opening Premier League fixture of the new season.
Arsenal launch their Premier League title defence against Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on Friday, with kick-off at 8pm BST, looking to build on their commanding 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City.
Arteta remains without William Saliba, who is sidelined by a back injury, and Jurrien Timber, who continues his recovery from a groin problem.
As a result, Ben White, Cristhian Mosquera, Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori are expected to continue together across the back four after impressing in Cardiff.
There is more encouraging news further forward.
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are both expected to return to the starting line-up after making substitute appearances against Manchester City following their post-World Cup reintegration.
At most, however they should play just 60 minutes.
Bruno Guimaraes was in line to make his Premier League debut for Arsenal after settling quickly into Arteta’s midfield, but he’s struggling to shake off the thigh problem he was spotted icing after the Man City game. Ahead of the match, Mikel Arteta said, “Let’s see how it is. He’s evolving really well, but let’s see for tomorrow.”
Christos Tzolis strengthened his claim for a starting place with two assists in the Community Shield and should start again.
One of Arteta’s main selection decisions is expected to come in attack, where Kai Havertz is currently tipped to start ahead of Viktor Gyokeres.
Arsenal’s anticipated defensive reinforcement, Ezri Konsa, is not expected to be available unless his move from Aston Villa is completed and registered in time. For that to happen, he needed to be registered by 12pm today, one minute before this article went live. It’s not clear at the time of writing if they were able to get it done.
Coventry have been dealt a significant setback ahead of the trip to north London, with leading striker Haji Wright ruled out by a serious quad injury.
Manager Frank Lampard said: “Haji Wright won’t be available for the Arsenal game.
“He won’t be available for a little while, he’s got a very serious quad injury which is disappointing for Haji and for us.
“It’s certainly going to be a number of weeks, could even be up to 12 weeks.”
There is more positive news for Coventry elsewhere, with Ephron Mason-Clark and Jack Rudoni in contention after recent fitness issues, while Frank Onyeka will be assessed before the match.
Luke Woolfenden remains unavailable.
New arrivals Carl Rushworth, Aurele Amenda, Caleb Yirenkyi and Loum Tchaouna could all feature, while Coventry are expected to turn to either Ellis Simms or Taiwo Awoniyi in attack in Wright’s absence.
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