Arsenal midfielder doubtful to face Coventry City

Arsenal midfielder Bruno Guimaraes remains doubtful for the Premier League opener against Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night.

The Gunners start the defence of their league title with a home game against the Sky Blues tomorrow. Ahead of the encounter, manager Mikel Arteta has provided some team news.

The Spanish tactician confirmed that Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are fully fit after their late return for pre-season training, and they are expected to be in the squad for the opener.

Arteta added that Guimaraes may need to be assessed before the game, but he is optimistic that the summer signing will have recovered in time to make the matchday squad tomorrow.

Guimaraes suffered a knock to his right thigh during the Community Shield win over Manchester City last weekend. He was spotted with an ice pack, but Arteta did not seem overly concerned.

In our view, Declan Rice could partner Myles Lewis-Skelly in the heart of the defence against Coventry tomorrow. Guimaraes could be handled with caution and he could come off the bench.