Arteta gives Bruno Guimaraes update as Rice and Saka pass fitness ahead of Coventry opener
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta provided an injury update ahead of his side’s Premier League opener at home to newly promoted Coventry City on Saturday, August 22, 2026, leaving Bruno Guimaraes’ availability uncertain while confirming Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have passed fitness tests.
Bruno Guimaraes, 28, joined Arsenal from Newcastle United for £75 million and featured in the Gunners’ 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City, coming off at half-time and being pictured with an ice pack on his leg. Neither the player nor the club issued a statement after that appearance, and the matter has remained under medical review since the friendly final.
Asked about Guimaraes’ chances of playing against Coventry, Arteta said: "It's evolving well, but let's see," and the manager said the Brazilian "will be assessed by the team’s medical staff in the coming days." A final decision will be made closer to matchday to determine whether he will be fit enough to feature against Coventry.
Arteta confirmed that both Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have passed their fitness tests and are expected to feature in the Premier League opener. The manager relayed that confirmation as Arsenal prepared to begin the defence of their title at home on Saturday.
The hosts, who are the reigning Premier League champions, will be without several notable players for the upcoming clash. William Saliba is out for most of the season after suffering a back injury while on international duty at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and right-back Jurrien Timber was forced to leave the team’s training camp in Spain after suffering a groin injury but is reportedly back in training.
The Gunners remain heavy favourites to secure a comfortable home win against the Sky Blues, with team selection for the Saturday fixture to be finalised once medical assessments are complete.
Guimaraes’ fitness will be determined by Arsenal’s medical staff over the next few days, with a final selection decision to be confirmed closer to matchday; Rice and Saka are expected to be available for the August 22, 2026 opener against Coventry City.