Mikel Arteta has been handed a selection concern before Arsenal’s important London derby against Chelsea after Bruno Guimaraes and Cristhian Mosquera were absent from Thursday’s training session.
The pair missed the open session at London Colney as Arsenal continued preparations for the Emirates meeting with Chelsea this weekend. Arsenal are also attempting to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League campaign.
Summer signing Guimaraes has been dealing with an ongoing groin problem. The midfielder was unavailable for Arsenal’s opening match against Coventry before returning to feature for 19 minutes in the subsequent game against Aston Villa.
His latest absence raises fresh questions over whether he will be ready to face Chelsea. Guimaraes’ limited involvement against Aston Villa had represented his first appearance after missing that opening fixture, but his groin issue remains a concern for Arteta as he considers his options for the derby.
Mosquera also missed Thursday’s session after being taken off late in the match against Aston Villa. The defender’s substitution was initially considered a precaution, although his absence from open training has added uncertainty over his availability.
Arteta had previously played down concerns about Mosquera’s condition following the change. “He's fine, but he was feeling like he was about to have something, and that's why we have the bench that we have, and that's why we had to bring in Ezri,” Arteta told the media.
The Arsenal manager must now assess both players before deciding whether they can take part against Chelsea. Their situations leave the club waiting for further clarity while preparations continue at London Colney.
Arsenal’s meeting with Chelsea is viewed as a crucial early test, with Arteta’s side seeking to protect their 100% record in the Premier League. The latest training developments mean the fitness of Guimaraes and Mosquera will be closely monitored in the build-up to the fixture.
Guimaraes’ groin problem has already restricted his involvement since joining Arsenal, while Mosquera’s late withdrawal at Aston Villa had appeared less serious. However, the fact that neither player took part in Thursday’s open session gives Arteta a decision to make before the London derby.
The absence of two first-team players has therefore complicated Arsenal’s preparations, even though the club have yet to confirm that either man will definitely miss the match. For now, both Guimaraes and Mosquera remain doubts as Arsenal prepare to host Chelsea at the Emirates.