Mikel Arteta has played down the severity of Bruno Guimarães’ groin problem after the midfielder missed Arsenal‘s 3-0 win over Coventry City on Friday.
Guimarães was pictured with ice strapped to his right leg after being forced off in last weekend’s Community Shield victory over Manchester City and was sidelined for the beginning of the Gunners’ Premier League title defence at Emirates Stadium.
Goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard secured a comfortable triumph for Arteta’s side and afterwards, the Gunners boss dismissed unconfirmed reports that Guimarães could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Read more:Unai Emery: Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martínez could leave Aston Villa
“We expect that not to be weeks at all,” Arteta said of the club’s £75 million summer signing from Newcastle.
“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.”
Arteta hailed the impact of another new signing, Christos Tzolis, on his home debut after a £34m move from Club Brugge.
Read more:Arsenal rout Coventry to start Premier League title defence
The winger won the ball back for Havertz’s opener and assisted Saka for Arsenal’s second goal in a lively display which earned him a warm ovation when substituted on 76 minutes.
“I love that a player that has been with us just for a few weeks gets this kind of energy every time he’s on the ball,” said Arteta. “I think he’s earned it. I think the way he has performed in the last few games has been phenomenal.
–
– As it happened: Mikel Arteta’s men cruise to 3-0 victory over Coventry
Read more:Arsenal agree deal for Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa – sources
“What he transmits as a player is so direct, so incisive, constantly. He wants to make things happen and he has an incredible variety of actions in the last 30 metres. I think it’s up to him to make the right decisions. Even the spaces are sometimes really, really small. I’m very happy with him.
“It was great because the start is always tricky; we played a team that had a long time to prepare as well, and they are really good at what they do, but I’ve been really impressed with what I saw today.”
