Arsenal injury update: Bruno Guimaraes, Jurrien Timber and William Saliba latest news and return dates

Champions hoping for big boost ahead of facing Aston Villa

Arsenal have emerged from their opening game of the Premier League season with a fresh injury scare, though it did not overshadow an impressive win over Coventry.

Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard were all on target at the Emirates Stadium as the Gunners made the perfect start to the defence of their crown.

Attentions now shift towards a trip to Villa Park next Monday, where new signing Ezri Konsa could make his Arsenal debut after completing a £55million transfer.

Bruno Guimaraes

Guimaraes, a £75million summer signing from Newcastle, played a half against Manchester City as the Gunners ran out 3-0 winners in the Community Shield last weekend.

However, the Brazilian was spotted in the second half sitting on the bench with ice on his right thigh, prompting injury concerns among supporters.

Ultimately, the 28-year-old had to sit out the Coventry win and there had been suggestions that he could now be facing a period of weeks on the sidelines.

Bruno Guimaraes picked up an injury in the Community Shield win over Man City

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However, Arteta was keen to shut that down.

“No, no, no,” he said. "We expect that not to be weeks at all. Let's see how he evolves this week. He didn't even want to stop. He wanted to carry on.

“Now we start to understand the character of the player, but I don't expect that to be a big issue.”

Barring a substitute appearance in the Champions League final, Jurrien Timber's involvement for club and country has been limited after sustaining a groin injury in March.

After being ruled out of the World Cup, the Dutchman underwent minor surgery in the summer and is not expected to feature for Arsenal before the end of the month.

Arteta’s most recent update on Timber was that the defender is still a few weeks away from a return.

“I said in the next few weeks,” Arteta explained before the win over Coventry.

“He's not trained with the group yet."

Potential return date: September/October 2026

William Saliba

Injuries to Timber and William Saliba ultimately forced Arsenal's hand in the Konsa transfer, with the Frenchman set for a long spell on the sidelines with a back injury.

The good news is the defender doesn't need surgery, but it will be a while before he is back in action.

A statement released last month read: “Specialist reviews on William’s return to London this week have confirmed that he has suffered a back injury which will require a period of rehabilitation.

“Extensive assessments have concluded that surgery is not recommended, but William should now commence a managed recovery programme.

“William’s rehabilitation will commence immediately, with continual management of his injury, and he is expected to be out of action for an extended period.”