Seven players that could miss Arsenal’s trip to the Villa Park
Arsenal head into Monday’s trip to Aston Villa with several fitness concerns, although Bruno Guimaraes could provide Mikel Arteta with a timely boost.
Arsenal travel to Aston Villa on Monday night with Mikel Arteta still managing a number of fitness concerns as the Premier League champions look to maintain their winning start to the new campaign.
The Gunners opened their title defence with a convincing 3-0 victory over Coventry City, but their preparations for the trip to Villa Park have been complicated by injuries to several key players.
William Saliba remains unavailable as he continues to be carefully managed following a back problem, while Jurrien Timber is also expected to miss out despite making progress in his recovery from a groin issue.
Bruno Guimaraes offers a more positive update, with the summer signing having returned to pitch training and potentially in contention after his recent groin problem.
Ezri Konsa, meanwhile, is available and could make his competitive Arsenal debut against the club where he spent seven seasons before completing his move to north London. The defender’s return to Villa Park adds an intriguing subplot to an already important fixture.
Villa have their own concerns, with Johan Manzambi and Brian Madjo sidelined, while Tammy Abraham is recovering from a minor injury and Amadou Onana remains out with an ACL problem. Joao Gomes is also suspended.
The hosts are attempting to recover from a disastrous opening weekend in which they suffered a 4-0 defeat to Brighton, while Arsenal arrive with momentum after their dominant victory over Coventry.
Recent meetings have also favoured Arsenal, although Villa have proved capable of making life difficult for Arteta’s side at Villa Park.
With injuries, new signings and contrasting opening results adding to the intrigue, Monday’s encounter promises to be an early examination of Arsenal’s squad depth and Villa’s ability to respond to their difficult start.
