Arsenal XI vs Coventry: Starting lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today | OneFootball

Gunners begin the defence of Premier League crown

Arsenal are without Bruno Guimaraes for their Premier League opener against Coventry as the new season begins at the Emirates Stadium.

The Brazilian came off at half-time in the Community Shield last weekend and was seen with an ice pack strapped to his right thigh.

While, the issue is not believed to be a serious one as Mikel Arteta provided a positive update in his pre-match press conference, the midfielder is denied a competitive home debut.

"Let's see how it is," Arteta said. "He's evolving really well, but let's see for [Friday]."

Guimaraes' absence as had a big say on what role Declan Rice plays at the Emirates.

Rice was given an extended break after the World Cup and has made just one appearance this summer since returning, playing the 45 minutes when replacing Guimaraes last weekend.

With Guimaraes not fit, Arteta has brought Rice back into action.

Declan Rice and Bruno Guimaraes

PA

There is a similar decision made on the right wing, with Bukayo Saka also having had very limited playing time since joining back up with the squad.

In defence, Ezri Konsa is has been announced as a new £55million signing, but a debut against Coventry has been ruled out, meaning Ben White and Cristhian Mosquera continue on the right side of defence.

Christos Tzolis' performances this summer have made him the clear first- choice at left wing and Kai Havertz will also expect to keep his place.

Arsenal are still without Jurrien Timber and William Saliba.

Timber is yet to return to first-team training and is still weeks away from returning. It is likely to be months until Saliba is available after a long-term back injury.

Confirmed team news

Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Tzolis, Havertz.

Injured: Timber, Saliba, Guimaraes