Why Bruno Guimaraes is missing from Arsenal squad against Coventry today | OneFootball

Summer signing denied a competitive home debut

The Brazilian made his first start for the club last weekend in the Community Shield victory over Manchester City.

However, Guimaraes came off at half-time in Cardiff and was pictured with an ice pack strapped to his right thigh.

Asked about that injury and the midfielder’s absence before kick-off on Friday night, Mikel Arteta said: "He had a slight tension in his groin. He hasn't done a pre-season, he only had four or five days before that [Man City] game.

“We have to take a lot of new stuff for him as well. We need to take it bit by bit."

Ruled out: Bruno Guimaraes

In his absence, Declan Rice starts for the first time this summer, alongside Myles Lewis-Skelly.

There has been speculation over Lewis-Skelly's future in recent weeks, but Arteta put that to bed on Thursday when confirming that the 19-year-old would "100%" be at the club at the end of the transfer window.

Arteta has also opted to start Bukayo Saka in a strong lineup at the Emirates Stadium.

After an extended break following the World Cup, Saka played no part in pre-season and then only came off the bench for 30 minutes in the win over City.

Despite those limited minutes, Arteta has brought Saka straight into the side to kick off the Premier League title defence, preferring him to Noni Madueke and Max Dowman.

Gabriel Martinelli misses out on the matchday squad as doubts over his future continue.

Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson have also been left out, with the club looking to sell them before the end of the window.

Ethan Nwaneri does make the bench against Coventry, though it is believed Arsenal are still open to loaning him out this season.