Mikel Arteta is currently going through a bit of an injury crisis as Arsenal could be without four key players for their game with Bournemouth.
With injuries mounting up, the Spaniard confirmed Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka have all not trained since last weekend’s north London derby against Tottenham.
That adds to the absences of Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber, and a knock to Fabio Vieira.
The north London side currently sit fifth in the league table and are yet to suffer a defeat so far this season.
Mikel Arteta revealed that he has a few key players injured ahead of their clash with Bournemouth
The Gunners come into the game off the back of a 1-0 win against Brentford in the Carabao Cup
So how could Arsenal line-up against Bournemouth with a few key players missing?
David Raya is expected to keep his place in net for the Premier League showdown with the Cherries. Despite Aaron Ramsdale being praised for his performance against Brentford earlier this week, Raya looks set to be the Gunners’ new first choice keeper after his impressive performances against Everton, PSV and Tottenham.
Ben White has been ever-present in the starting eleven this season and has featured in every league game for Arteta’s side so far. The 25-year-old has been one of the first names on the teamsheet and looks set to retain his place at right back this weekend.
While William Saliba missed Arsenal’s clash with Brentford due to a knock, the defender is expected to play a key role in the club’s clash with Bournemouth this weekend. Saliba has enjoyed a good start to the season and has played in every league game so far.
Despite not being selected for their first three games, Gabriel has managed to work his way back in the side and has regularly featured since their 3-1 win over Manchester United before the international break. The Brazilian has formed a formidable partnership with Saliba over the last year and is once again in line to feature this weekend.
Oleksandr Zinchenko is expected to complete the backline for the Gunners against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon. The Ukraine international has regularly featured for the club this season and has impressed since he signed from Manchester City last season.
Kai Havertz is in line to start from the off as Declan Rice and Fabio Viera are dealing with slight knocks
Martin Odegaard will once again lead the side and has enjoyed a great start to the 2023-24 campaign. The Norwegian, who has scored three goals in nine games so far, recently put pen-to-paper on a new deal that will keep him at the Emirates until 2028.
Jorginho has struggled for gametime since he signed from Chelsea back in January. The Italian has struggled for form and minutes this season. The 31-year-old was at fault for Tottenham’s second goal last weekend, but could start this weekend given the club’s injury struggles.
Kai Havertz has endured a tough start to life at the Emirates following his big money move from Chelsea this summer. The German is yet to register a goal or an assist for Arteta’s side so far. However, with Viera and Rice suffering slight knocks, the clash with Bournemouth is the perfect time for Havertz to come in and prove his doubters wrong.
Reiss Nelson will be itching to feature against Bournemouth following his impressive performance against Brentford
Gabriel Jesus is expected to feature for Mikel Arteta’s side against Bournemouth on Saturday
Reiss Nelson could come into the starting eleven this weekend after impressing against Brentford. The 23-year-old winger scored the only goal of the game and looked sharp throughout. Nelson has only played four times for Arsenal so far this season and will be itching to get some minutes under his belt against the Cherries.
Eddie Nketiah is another who has featured regularly for the Gunners this season. The forward has scored two goals in all competitions and is expected to lead the line against Iraola’s side on Saturday afternoon.
Gabriel Jesus is another who is nailed on to start this weekend’s game. The Brazilian will be eager to impress having started the season pretty poorly by his usual standards. Having scored only two goals so far, Jesus will feel as if the clash with Bournemouth will be the perfect chance to get back in the goals.
