Arsenal travels to Bournemouth on Saturday, with Mikel Merino poised to make his full debut after recovering from a shoulder injury.
The midfielder, signed from Real Sociedad for over £30million, has gradually increased his playing time, including appearances for Spain during the international break.
Merino’s potential full debut comes as Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta faces fitness concerns over several key players.
Bukayo Saka limped off with a hamstring issue during England’s 2-1 loss to Greece and underwent a scan.
England interim boss Lee Carsley downplayed the severity, and Saka may be fit for Saturday.
Gabriel Martinelli also picked up a calf issue while on international duty with Brazil and has undergone scans.
Meanwhile, Ben White and Jurrien Timber, absent against Southampton, may return this weekend.
Kai Havertz is expected to overcome a knee complaint, while Oleksandr Zinchenko nears recovery from a calf injury.
Thomas Partey should shake off the illness that led to his Ghana squad withdrawal.
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Captain Martin Odegaard remains sidelined with an ankle injury, and Kieran Tierney is out with a hamstring issue.
Goalkeeper Neto is unavailable due to loan restrictions. Jack Porter, 16, may make the bench if Tommy Setford hasn’t recovered from a hip injury.
Arteta will likely rely on fresh players who didn’t participate in the international break.
Gabriel Jesus and Raheem Sterling, unaffected by international duty, may retain their starting spots in the Arsenal attack.
The predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3) lineup looks set to be:
Raya;
Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori;
Havertz, Rice, Merino;
Saka, Jesus, Sterling
Arsenal’s injury update and predicted lineup will be crucial in determining their chances of securing a positive result against Bournemouth.
With their sights firmly set on continuing their unbeaten streak, Arsenal will leave no stone unturned in their quest to defeat Bournemouth and consolidate their position in the league.
