Arsenal face a trip to Bournemouth on Saturday night as they look to make it five wins in a row in all competitions and put pressure on Premier League leaders Liverpool. The Gunners however could be without several key names for the clash.
Mikel Arteta’s side lost their captain Martin Odegaard during the last international break whilst he was on international duty with Norway and this break hasn’t been any better for them. England star Bukayo Saka suffered an injury during the Three Lions’ clash against Greece last week whereas winger Gabriel Martinelli also suffered an injury whilst away with Brazil. Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko continue to be doubts as they have been recovering from leg injuries, however, Saturday could be their return day as Mikel Arteta hopes to recover his injury-hit defence.
Bukayo Saka
England international Saka suffered a hamstring injury and had to be substituted off by interim England manager Lee Carsley during their 2-1 defeat against Greece last week. He is currently being assessed by Arsenal’s medical staff over his status for the Bournemouth match, but seeing as Saka is the Gunners’ talisman, Mikel Arteta won’t want to risk him. Lee Carsley said: “Bukayo would have been close, but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him. He’s a positive person, and I expect him to be fine.”
Expected return: Saturday 19 October vs Bournemouth (A)
Brazilian winger Martinelli suffered a calf injury whilst away on international duty with his country and has undergone an MRI scan with the national team. He missed Brazil’s last game against Peru and will be assessed over his availability for Saturday. Martinelli will now return to London with the hope that he will be fit to start against Bournemouth, however, it is likely that Leandro Trossard could come in for the winger or former Manchester City man Raheem Sterling.
Expected return: Unknown
Martin Odegaard
Arsenal captain Odegaard is recovering well from an ankle issue that he suffered during the last international break with Norway. Saturday will come too soon for the midfielder who is looking at a return in early November. Mikel Arteta said: “Martin is very difficult. I expected still with the boot and a lot of things, but he’s working so hard, and he’s pushing. Difficult to give a timeline.”
Expected return: Wednesday 6 November vs Inter (AKai Havertz
German striker Havertz was unable to leave for international duty over the break due to a knee issue despite playing a full game in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Southampton before the break. His issue is understood to be a minor one and it is likely that Havertz will be fit and ready to start against Bournemouth on Saturday which is a big boost for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Expected return: Saturday 19 October vs Bournemouth (A)
Ben White
The English defender has been dealing with a knee issue and is on a similar timeline to fellow defender Jurrien Timber. White has been back in training this week and looks to be involved in some form on Saturday.
Expected return: Saturday 19 October vs Bournemouth (A)
Jurrien Timber
Dutch full-back Timber is dealing with an injury that he suffered during Arsenal’s 2-0 Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain before the international break. He was left out of the Netherlands’ squad for that reason. Speaking on both Timber and Ben White, Mikel Arteta said: “We had to modify training for a lot of players. We’ve done the same today because of the load that they had, so it’s a decision to make this afternoon whether to involve them, yes or no.”
Expected return: Saturday 19 October vs Bournemouth (A)
Oleksandr Zinchenko
The Ukrainian international was unable to head away on international duty as he has been recovering from a calf injury. He has used the two weeks to try and get back for the Bournemouth game, which, all going well, should be possible.
Before the break, Mikel Arteta said: “Probably after the international break if everything goes well. He is progressing well.” It looks likely that Zinchenko could start against the Cherries.
Expected return: Saturday 19 October vs Bournemouth (A)
