Mikel Arteta’s preparation for Arsenal’s upcoming Premier League match against Bournemouth has been disrupted by a string of injuries to key players.
As the Gunners look to leapfrog Liverpool and claim top spot, Arteta faces a selection headache.
Bukayo Saka’s Hamstring Concern
One of the most pressing concerns for Arteta is the hamstring issue sustained by Bukayo Saka during England’s Nations League clash with Greece.
The young winger was seen clutching the back of his thigh moments before Vangelis Pavlidis fired Greece ahead.
Although Saka was spotted walking out of Wembley Stadium without assistance, the severity of the injury remains unknown.
Kai Havertz’s Knee Problem
Kai Havertz‘s knee issue forced him out of Germany’s Nations League squad, but the forward may return in time for the Bournemouth match.
Havertz completed 90 minutes against Southampton before the international break but was subsequently omitted from Germany’s squad.
Martin Odegaard’s Ankle Injury
Martin Odegaard‘s ankle injury recovery timeline remains uncertain.
The midfielder suffered the setback during a Nations League match against Austria in September.
Despite making “really good progress” according to Odegaard himself, Norway boss Stale Solbakken tempered expectations, stating that the 25-year-old is “a long way from playing matches.”
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Defensive Worries: Jurrien Timber and Ben White
Jurrien Timber and Ben White are nearing returns from their respective issues but face late fitness tests.
Timber was substituted at half-time during Arsenal’s Champions League win over Paris Saint-Germain and was left out of the matchday squad to face Southampton.
White has not featured since being sent on as a half-time substitute in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City last month.
Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney’s Long-Term Absences
Oleksandr Zinchenko‘s calf injury recovery is progressing, with the defender targeting a post-international break return.
Kieran Tierney, however, remains out of action after suffering a horrible hamstring injury for Scotland at Euro 2024.
Arsenal’s Injury List
• Bukayo Saka (hamstring) – Unknown return date
• Kai Havertz (knee) – October 19 (Bournemouth)
• Martin Odegaard (ankle) – Unknown
• Jurrien Timber (undisclosed) – October 19 (Bournemouth)
• Ben White (knee) – October 19 (Bournemouth)
• Oleksandr Zinchenko (calf) – October 19 (Bournemouth)
• Kieran Tierney (hamstring) – Unknown
As Arsenal seeks to maintain momentum in the Premier League title race, Arteta must navigate these injury concerns to field a competitive lineup against Bournemouth.
