Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has outlined the fitness situations surrounding several key players ahead of Sunday’s Premier League encounter with Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
The north London club maintained their strong form with a comprehensive 3-0 home victory over Coventry City before securing a narrow 1-0 away win against Aston Villa.
Their upcoming opponents, under Xabi Alonso’s guidance, have been prolific in front of goal, recording a 3-2 triumph over Fulham at Craven Cottage and a 4-2 success against Brighton and Hove Albion at Stamford Bridge.
Arteta faces selection challenges with several squad members currently unavailable.
Jurrien Timber remains absent from competitive action following a minor surgical procedure on his groin area.
The Dutch defender was photographed participating in light training exercises on Thursday and Arteta indicated he could be included in the matchday squad for the Chelsea fixture.
Timber has not featured in any of Arsenal’s competitive matches this season.
Bruno Guimaraes presents a potential concern for the Arsenal coaching staff.
The Brazilian midfielder, signed for £75 million, sustained an injury during his debut against Coventry City and subsequently picked up another knock during the victory over Villa in the Midlands.
Arteta reported that Guimaraes had been assessed and expressed hope regarding his availability for training the following day.
Cristhian Mosquera was not present during the training session at London Colney this week.
The Colombian defender was substituted during the Villa match, though Arteta clarified that this decision was purely precautionary with the player’s wellbeing in mind.
The manager suggested there remained a possibility the defender could feature against Chelsea.
A potential comeback date of September 6 has been earmarked for the Premier League fixture against the same opposition.
William Saliba continues his recovery with no definitive timeline for his return to first-team action.
The French centre-back has not played since the World Cup, though his inclusion in the Champions League roster suggests a return could materialise during the first half of the campaign.
Arteta acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the defender’s recovery period, noting that the healing process had yet to follow a predictable trajectory.