Arsenal XI vs Bournemouth: Latest Injury Updates and Predicted Lineup

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal are gearing up to face Bournemouth in the Premier League, but they continue to grapple with a lengthy injury list ahead of their match.

Potential Debut for Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino could make his full debut for Arsenal after coming off the bench in their last two games following a shoulder injury that sidelined him for the start of the season. The midfielder, who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad for over £30 million, has been regaining match fitness during the international break by featuring for Spain.

Saka's Injury Status

Bukayo Saka is a key concern for Arteta after he limped off during England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece with a suspected hamstring injury. Saka underwent a scan and was released from the England camp before their match against Finland. However, interim England manager Lee Carsley indicated that the injury might not be serious.

Arteta shared positive updates on Saka’s condition, stating, “It’s not a serious injury. He’s evolving really well. He’s done a few things in the last few days since returning from the national team. We are hopeful. We have a training session this afternoon, and he did some bits yesterday, so let’s see if he can make it on time.”

Other Injury Concerns

Arsenal also hopes to have several players back in contention:

• Ben White and Jurrien Timber, both of whom missed the win over Southampton, could return this weekend.
• Kai Havertz is expected to be fit despite a knee complaint that saw him left out of the Germany squad.
• Oleksandr Zinchenko is nearing a return after a calf injury, and Thomas Partey is recovering from an illness that led to his withdrawal from the Ghana squad last week.

Arteta noted, “The three of them (Timber, White, and Zinchenko) are quite close. We will push today to see who is ready, as we are stronger with the numbers, especially on our right side.”

Missing Players

The Gunners will still be without captain Martin Odegaard (ankle) and Kieran Tierney (hamstring), while goalkeeper Neto is ineligible to play against his parent club. This means 16-year-old Jack Porter, who debuted in the Carabao Cup, could be included on the bench if Tommy Setford hasn’t recovered from his hip injury.

Predicted Arsenal XI

Arteta is likely to field a 4-3-3 formation against Bournemouth, with a predicted lineup of:

• Goalkeeper: Raya
• Defenders: Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori
• Midfielders: Havertz, Rice, Merino
• Forwards: Saka, Jesus, Sterling

Match Details

• Kick-off: Saturday at 5:30 PM BST
• Venue: Vitality Stadium
• Broadcast: Sky Sports

Arsenal Squad Availability

Squad for the Match:

• Goalkeepers: Raya, Porter
• Defenders: Calafiori, Gabriel, Heaven, Kiwior, Saliba, Tomiyasu
• Midfielders: Jorginho, Lewis-Skelly, Merino, Nwaneri, Partey, Rice
• Forwards: Jesus, Sterling, Trossard

Doubts:

• Havertz (knee)
• Martinelli (calf)
• Saka (hamstring)
• Setford (hip)
• Timber (unspecified knock)
• White (groin)
• Zinchenko (calf)

Injured:

• Odegaard (ankle)
• Tierney (hamstring)

Ineligible:

• Neto (on loan and cannot face parent club)

As Arsenal prepares for this crucial match, fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on Saka’s fitness and the potential return of key players.