Arsenal open their Premier League ***** le defence against Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium on Friday evening, just days after thrashing Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Mikel Arteta's side head into the new season as champions and heavy favourites against newly promoted opposition. The performance in Cardiff last weekend, capped by Calafiori's goal inside 26 seconds, gave an early indication of the intent Arteta wants to carry into the campaign proper.
William Saliba remains out long-term with a back injury, and Jurrien Timber is sidelined with a groin problem. Bruno Guimarães is a doubt for Friday after being substituted at half-time in the Community Shield with a thigh problem, later seen with an ice pack applied.
Arteta gave little away when asked about his fitness: "Let's see how he is. He's evolving really well, but let's see for tomorrow." Should he not be risked, Myles Lewis-Skelly is the likely replacement in midfield.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are both confirmed fit. The pair returned late from England's deep World Cup run and appeared as substitutes in the Community Shield win over Manchester City — both are now expected to start. Arteta has strongly implied, without confirming outright, that Ezri Konsa's move from Aston Villa is imminent, though the defender will not be involved against Coventry regardless.
#arsenal
Mikel Arteta's side head into the new season as champions and heavy favourites against newly promoted opposition. The performance in Cardiff last weekend, capped by Calafiori's goal inside 26 seconds, gave an early indication of the intent Arteta wants to carry into the campaign proper.
William Saliba remains out long-term with a back injury, and Jurrien Timber is sidelined with a groin problem. Bruno Guimarães is a doubt for Friday after being substituted at half-time in the Community Shield with a thigh problem, later seen with an ice pack applied.
Arteta gave little away when asked about his fitness: "Let's see how he is. He's evolving really well, but let's see for tomorrow." Should he not be risked, Myles Lewis-Skelly is the likely replacement in midfield.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are both confirmed fit. The pair returned late from England's deep World Cup run and appeared as substitutes in the Community Shield win over Manchester City — both are now expected to start. Arteta has strongly implied, without confirming outright, that Ezri Konsa's move from Aston Villa is imminent, though the defender will not be involved against Coventry regardless.
#arsenal
2 days ago
