🤕 Mikel Arteta provides injury latest on Saka, Martinelli and more | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta has provided a positive injury update on his Arsenal camp ahead of their Saturday evening clash with Bournemouth, with the Gunners close to welcoming back several of their stars.

All of Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli picked up knocks over the international break, but all three could well be in contention against the Cherries.

On Saka, Mikel Arteta said: "It is not a serious injury. He is evolving really well. We are hopeful. We have a training session this afternoon."

Meanwhile, he added that if Havertz trained on Friday, he would be available for Saturday's clash, while Thomas Partey is also fit after missing international duty through illness.

In yet more good news, the Arsenal boss explained that Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko are "quite close" to returning after missing the final game before the international break.

"Hopefully, we have some positive news today and they are back tomorrow", he explained.

And on Martinelli, it was yet more good news with Arteta explaining: "Yesterday he did a bit outside, today will be another step and we will understand if we take the risk."

One player who won't be back, however, is Martin Ødegaard, for whom next week will be "crucial" in his recovery.

“In that later stage of rehab, where he is at the moment, he needs to clear some markers, he needs to be comfortable, especially with the ball. Next week will be crucial to understand how close he is.”

Another set to be absent is Takehiro Tomiyasu, who played his first six minutes of the season against Southampton but is now sidelined once more.

“It doesn’t look like a long period hopefully. We really need him. He’s got something else again”, Arteta revealed.

Can Arsenal return to action with a bang and keep their unbeaten start to the season going?