Mikel Arteta is sweating on a number of injuries as Arsenal prepare to return to Premier League action away to Bournemouth this weekend.
In September, the Gunners suffered the blow of losing their captain Martin Odegaard to a ‘significant ankle ligament’ injury with the Norway international not expected to return to action until November.
It has been another tense international break for the north London side with Bukayo Saka forced off during England’s shock defeat to Greece in the Nations League. Saka left the England camp two days later, returning to his club for treatment on a hamstring issue.
Reports this week have suggested Arsenal are hopeful their winger will be available for the trip to the coast on Saturday.
Interim England boss Lee Carsley delivered a further boost ahead of the 3-1 win over Finland, suggesting Saka would have been close to playing had he stayed with the squad.
Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey also withdrew from the Germany and Ghana squads respectively but the prognosis on the duo has also been positive with both players expected to be available for selection.
Gabriel Martinelli meanwhile was recalled to the Brazil squad this month but missed training on Monday ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Peru. The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) later confirmed the Arsenal star was sent for an MRI scan to assess a calf problem.
Martinelli remained in Brazil for further tests and was an unused substitute in Tuesday’s 4-0 win over Peru. It remains to be seen whether he will be risked this weekend with Arteta likely to give an update on the Brazilian on Friday.
Ben While meanwhile has not featured since being thrown on at half-time in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City in September.
The right-back has sat out of the last four games but was thought to be close to making the squad against Southampton. Having had another two weeks to recover, White is expected to be in contention.
The same is expected of Jurrien Timber, who was not selected tor international duty wit Netherlands after also missing that win over Saints. The versatile defender was forced off at half-time in the win over Paris Saint-Germain but will be hopeful of returning against the Cherries.
Oleksandr Zinchenko could also be available again after his recent layoff while backup goalkeeper Neto will be ineligible to take on his parent club.
Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Partey, Merino, Saka, Havertz, Trossard
Bournemouth vs Arsenal kicks off at 5:30pm on Saturday 19 October.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with a live stream available through the Sky Go app and NOW TV.
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