Arsenal star faces late fitness test for Wolves as Arteta makes final checks on squad

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Arsenal are set to face Wolves in their opening game of the new Premier League season, but they already have some injury doubts.

Defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney missed the entirety of pre-season, and have not yet returned to training.

Arsenal have been handed a boost as Mikel Arteta confirmed that Jurrien Timber will be available after suffering a minor injury during his recovery from his anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

Most of the squad are otherwise available, although Euro 2024 finalists Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka may be lacking in match sharpness after missing a chunk of pre-season.

This could mean that neither player will play for 90 minutes against Wolves, and this could open up opportunities for some fringe players. However, one is now facing a late fitness test.

• READ MORE: The top five most injured Arsenal players in 2023/24

Fabio Vieira to have fitness test ahead of Arsenal vs Wolves

Fabio Vieira is a player who has a lot to prove this season, and he was dealt a setback after missing the last pre-season game with an injury.

However, Mikel Arteta confirmed in his press conference that Vieira could return to the matchday squad against Wolves if he passes a late fitness test.

“We will check him now after training to see how he is but he looked to adapt to it,” Arteta responded when asked about Vieira.

Fabio Vieira needs to start strongly or he will be left behind

The 24-year-old showed flashes of quality in pre-season, but it was teenager Ethan Nwaneri who impressed even more than Vieira, and the youngster may now be ahead of him in the pecking order.

Vieira was used on the right wing in pre-season, and until Saka hits full match fitness, he has an opportunity to get onto the pitch, even as a substitute.

Arsenal are expected to sign Mikel Merino, and could even target a winger. This would see Vieira fall further down the pecking order.

Vieira’s best chance of getting into the team and grasping his opportunity to shine will therefore come in the early stages of the season, but if he does not convince, he will be left behind as the season goes on.