Arsenal XI vs Como: Guimaraes debut, confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for friendly | OneFootball

Brazilian signed from Newcastle last week and could play first minutes in red

Bruno Guimaraes could make his debut for Arsenal against Como on Wednesday night.

The Brazilian was introduced to the fans ahead of kick-off against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday but was not involved in the matchday squad.

Guimaraes had already started training with his new team-mates before that game and has done so again over the last couple of days as he builds his fitness.

Mikel Arteta could opt to start Guimaraes and play him for 30 minutes, as he did with Martin Odegaard against Dortmund and some of the other late returners from the World Cup earlier in pre-season.

Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice are among those back in training but this match is likely to come too soon for them.

Debut pending: Bruno Guimaraes

Getty

David Raya could play some part, though, potentially getting 45 minutes and splitting the goalkeeper duties with Kepa Arrizabalaga or Illan Meslier.

With Jurrien Timber still weeks away from returning and William Saliba a long-term absentee, Arteta is slightly short of options on the right side of his defence.

That could lead to him being cautious with Ben White's fitness.

The right-back recovered from an MCL injury over the summer and has played a significant part in pre-season.

This match may come too soon for Bukayo Saka to be involved

Getty

However, with the Community Shield looming on Sunday, Arteta could opt to avoid risking White before that and instead bring in Marli Salmon for this friendly.

Kai Havertz's minutes in pre-season have largely been in midfield but this is an opportunity to potentially start him up front.

Christos Tzolis has been impressive this summer and registered another assist against Dortmund.

He might drop to the bench here, though, with Arteta now having Gabriel Martinelli back and looking to get more minutes in his legs.

Predicted Arsenal XI: Raya; Mosquera, Salmon, Gabriel, Hincapie; Guimaraes, Lewis-Skelly; Nwaneri, Odegaard, Martinelli; Havertz

Injured: Timber, Saliba