Mikel Arteta has been handed three major injury concerns all without Arsenal even playing. The likes of Martin Odegaard, Ben White and Jurrien Timber are already absentees and have thus remained at London Colney over the October international break.
Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey were due to represent Germany and Ghana, respectively, though both have remained in England because of minor knocks. That double decision, while concerning, will arrive as a boost for Arteta if they can play against Bournemouth, though he has been handed a major worry involving Bukayo Saka.
Last month’s two-week domestic pause was when Odegaard picked up his injury and a repeat looks to have occurred with Saka subbed off holding his right hamstring in action for England. Though the issue only took place just over 24 hours ago, plenty of theories have emerged about the severity of the injury and his potential return date.
