Bournemouth vs Arsenal: Latest team news as Gunners sweat on Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz injuries
The Gunners travel to the south coast with a host of medical issues, but victory over the Cherries will lift Mikel Arteta’s side to the top of the Premier League
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Arsenal travel to Bournemouth on Saturday with Mikel Arteta dealing with a number of key injuries as the Premier League returns.
The Gunners are a point off leaders Liverpool after victory over Southampton, meaning they have an opportunity to go top before Arne Slot’s side host Chelsea on Sunday, with defending champions Manchester City travelling to Wolves in the early kick-off.
Andoni Iraola’s Cherries return this weekend in 13th and are five points clear of the relegation zone but need a response after defeat to Leicester before the break.
And an opportunity to upset Arteta’s title contenders could boost the Spanish coach’s reputation further.
Here’s everything we know about the team news ahead of Saturday’s match at the Vitality Stadium:
Saka limped off in England's defeat to Greece and subsequently missed the match against Finland, although Arteta will be hopeful after Lee Carsley suggested his omission was a precaution.
“Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him,” he said. “He's a positive person and I expect him to be fine.”
Arsenal will also hope Havertz can recover in time to feature at the Vitality Stadium, having been ruled out of Germany's two matches in the October international break with “knee problems”.
The German Football Federation said: “Kai Havertz will miss the upcoming international matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands due to knee problems. National coach Julian Nagelsmann nominated Jonathan Burkardt in Havertz's place. Get well soon, Kai! We look forward to seeing you, Jonathan!”
Gabriel Martinelli suffered an injury scare on international duty with Brazil, with footage showing him wearing tape throughout a training session. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) later confirmed he had been sent for an MRI scan on a right calf problem.
Martin Odegaard continues to rehabilitate from his ankle injury, with the Norwegian offering a timeline for his return and maintaining “it won’t be too much longer” after making “really good progress”.
Thomas Partey pulled out of international duty with Ghana due to “medical issues” and will also need to be checked ahead of Saturday.
While Jurrien Timber should be in contention to return after being forced off injured against PSG and missing the win over Southampton and the international break with the Netherlands.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (knee) remains out, while Arteta must check on Kieran Tierney (hamstring), Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) and Ben White (groin) too.
David Raya will feature between the sticks, but back-up goalkeeper Neto is ineligible to face his parent club, with 16-year-old Jack Porter likely to be on the bench.
Bournemouth, meanwhile, will hope to recover Tyler Adams in the coming days, with the USA international dealing with a back injury. While Milos Kerkez is a doubt after withdrawing from the Hungary squad last week.
Predicted line-ups
Bournemouth XI: Kepa; Smith, Zabarnyi, Senesi, Kerkez; Cook, Christie; Semenyo, Tavernier, Sinisterra; Evanilson
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Havertz, Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
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