‎By Teddy Nwanunobi

‎The English Premier League (EPL) will kick off the 2026/2027 season today (Friday), with a game between the defending champions, Arsenal, and newly promoted side, Coventry City FC, at the Emirates Stadium.

‎But both teams are opening their campaigns with injuries in their camps.

‎Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, said Bruno Guimaraes is making good progress in his recovery from a minor injury, but remains cautious over the midfielder’s return.

‎Guimaraes picked up a knock during the Community Shield win on Sunday over Manchester City.

‎On whether Guimaraes could be available to face Coventry today for Arsenal’s title defence opener, Arteta said: “Let’s see. It’s evolving well, but let’s see.”

‎Arteta also confirmed that Jurrien Timber has yet to return to training.

‎“No, I say in the next few weeks, and he’s not done that yet,” Arteta said.

‎Meanwhile, the Gunners have been handed a boost ahead of their match against Coventry, as the new boys have lost one of their key players to injury.

‎Coventry know the challenge they will face when they step onto the pitch against the defending champions, Arsenal. So, they will want all their best players available for the game. However, Frank Lampard will be without Haji Wright, who has been sidelined for several weeks because of injury.

‎The injury has come at an unfortunate time for Coventry, with Wright having scored 17 league goals for them last season as they secured promotion back to the top flight. He is, therefore, one of their key players and one of the stars who could have caused problems for Arsenal.

‎However, the Gunners can count themselves fortunate, as Lampard has confirmed that the American will not be fit for the match. Wright remains some distance away from being fit enough to play any fixture for the club, leaving Coventry without an important attacking option.

‎Lampard explained the severity of the injury ahead of Coventry’s opening game of the season against Arsenal, making it clear that Wright’s absence is likely to extend beyond this weekend.

‎“He won’t be available for a little while, he’s got a very serious quad injury which is disappointing for Haji and for us. It’s certainly going to be a number of weeks, could even be up to 12 weeks,” Lampard said ahead of the opening game of the season against Arsenal via Hayters.

‎Wright’s absence could make Coventry’s task even more difficult when they face Arsenal. Having scored 17 league goals during their promotion campaign, his attacking contribution would have been valuable against one of the strongest teams in the division.

‎For Arsenal, the news provides an early advantage before the fixture. Coventry will now have to find a way to cope without one of their most important players, while Arsenal can prepare to face a promoted side missing a proven source of goals.

‎The Gunners will still need to perform at their best, but Wright’s lengthy absence is undoubtedly a significant setback for Coventry as they prepare for their return to the Premier League.