Arsenal have received encouraging news on Bruno Guimaraes ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea, with Mikel Arteta expecting the midfielder to return to full training on Saturday.
Guimaraes was assessed after suffering a knock during Arsenal’s victory over Aston Villa and had missed recent training sessions, raising doubts over his availability for the London derby at the Emirates Stadium.
Bruno Guimaraes injury update ahead of Chelsea
Arteta said the problem was not believed to be serious and indicated that the Brazil international should be back on the training pitch before the weekend fixture.
“He had a knock against Villa in the previous game and he is being assessed, but probably tomorrow he will be OK for training,” the Arsenal manager said at his pre-match press conference.
The midfielder will still need to come through Saturday’s session without complications before his involvement is confirmed, but the initial assessment has eased concerns over a potentially lengthy absence.
Guimaraes made his first Premier League appearance for Arsenal in the win at Villa Park and quickly demonstrated the qualities Arteta wants in the centre of his side: composure in possession, aggression when winning the ball and the ability to drive play forward.
Arsenal host Chelsea on Sunday, September 6, with both sides seeking to maintain their perfect starts to the league campaign. Guimaraes’ return would give Arteta another important option in midfield for one of the season’s early tests.
