Mikel Arteta is still dealing with numerous Arsenal injury worries ahead of the Champions League clash against Shakhtar Donetsk – despite four players overcoming fitness concerns to play against Bournemouth. Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey, despite both leaving international duty early, started the game along with the returning Ben White.
Despite some key players featuring, the Gunners still suffered their first defeat of the season, with William Saliba sent off in the first half. Gabriel Martinelli, who was dealing with a calf injury while representing Brazil, also appeared off the bench and missed a golden chance to put his side in front before they conceded twice in nine minutes.
Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber missed the clash because of injury, despite Arteta’s hopeful update before the defeat at Vitality Stadium. “It’s not a serious injury, and he’s evolving well,” he said of Saka. “He was probably good enough to play with the national team second game. We have some big tests today [on Friday] so we are hopeful.”
