Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remained tight-lipped when quizzed on team news ahead of taking on Chelsea this weekend, but teased potential injury boosts for the Gunners ahead of the London derby.
The North London outfit have won their first two Premier League games without conceding, but go up against a new-look Chelsea under Xabi Alonso, who have scored seven in their first two top flight outings.
Arsenal are without the services of defensive stalwart William Saliba, and a knock picked up by back-up Cristhian Mosquera against Aston Villa on Monday night was extra cause for concern. Here’s what Arteta had to say about Mosquera, Jurrien Timber, Bruno Guimaraes and Saliba.
Arsenal team news –
Cristhian Mosquera in action for Arsenal
Cristhian Mosquera –
Mosquera limped off in the second half against Aston Villa and was replaced by Ezri Konsa. That was a blow for the Gunners, with the 22-year-old having started every game this season in the absence of William Saliba.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta labelled that a ‘precaution’, which would suggest to no serious issue. However, the Gunners boss added: “We will have to see how he feels.”
Jurrien Timber –
Jurrien Timber
REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay
Timber has been a longer-term absentee for Arsenal, having not featured since coming off the bench in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain in May.
The full-back missed the World Cup for the Netherlands and underwent surgery on a persistent groin problem. Timber has been back in training, but wasn’t expected to be available until the end of September.
In the latest update, Arteta suggested that the 25-year-old is ahead of schedule. He said: “He’s in really good condition at the moment. He’s been training with us now, he’s in a good place.
“We will decide again tomorrow after training [if he will feature against Chelsea].”
Bruno Guimaraes –
Guimaraes came off the bench against Aston Villa on Monday night, but had not been pictured in training on Thursday as he continues to see off an injury niggle.
It looks as if the Brazil international will make the squad against Chelsea, but a decision is still to be finalised. Arteta said: “He had a knock against Villa in the previous game. He’s been assessed, but probably tomorrow he will be OK to train.”
