Saka, Martinelli, Odegaard, Tomiyasu injury updates ahead of Bournemouth | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta met the press at the Sobha Realty Centre on Friday, providing crucial injury updates ahead of Arsenal’s Premier League trip to the Vitality Stadium, where they face Bournemouth on Saturday.

Arteta on Bukayo Saka

LONDON, ENGLAND: Bukayo Saka of England goes down with an injury before being substituted during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Greece at Wembley Stadium on October 10, 2024. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

One of the primary concerns is Bukayo Saka, who sustained a hamstring injury during England’s international fixture against Greece.

Despite early doubts, Arteta delivered a hopeful prognosis: “It’s not a serious injury. He’s evolving well. He was probably good enough to play with the national team in the second game. We have some big tests today, so we are hopeful.”

Saka’s participation remains in the balance, but there’s optimism he will feature on Saturday.

Arteta on Kai Havertz

LONDON, ENGLAND: Kai Havertz of Arsenal scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Southampton FC at Emirates Stadium on October 05, 2024. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Arteta also shed light on Kai Havertz‘s situation, who has been dealing with knee issues since Arsenal’s clash with Southampton.

“He had a few issues, but we’ve been dealing with that,” said Arteta, adding that communication with the German national team has been good.

“If he trains well today, he has a good chance to be fit and available.”

Havertz withdrew from international duty with Germany and has been undergoing rehabilitation, with a final decision on his involvement to be taken after today’s training session.

Arteta on Gabriel Martinelli

LONDON, ENGLAND: James Justin of Leicester City and Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Leicester City FC at Emirates Stadium on September 28, 2024. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Gabriel Martinelli’s availability is less certain, with the Brazilian only just returning from international duty, where he picked up a calf injury.

“Gabi landed yesterday afternoon,” Arteta said. “Yesterday he went outside a bit to see how he’s feeling. We have to decide if we want to take a risk because I know he’ll say he is.”

The winger underwent an MRI scan in Brazil, which revealed muscle oedema, but Arsenal are still hopeful that the injury is not severe.

Arteta on Martin Odegaard

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal applauds the fans following the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Martin Odegaard, who has been sidelined since early September due to ankle ligament damage, will miss this weekend’s fixture.

Arteta clarified: “He’s not gonna be fit for this game. Next week will be a different story. He needs to clear some markers doing things with the ball in that latter stage of rehab. Next week will be crucial.”

The Norwegian international remains an instrumental figure for Arsenal, and all eyes are on his recovery as the club targets his return in November.

Arteta on Takehiro Tomiyasu

Over the last few days, there had been rumours that Tomiyasu had suffered yet another setback and on Friday, Arteta confirmed that he has. “Yeah we don’t know how long he’ll be out for,” Arteta said. “It doesn’t look like hopefully a long period. But we’ll have to see when he comes back how he reacts to the load and the impact on the pitch. We really need him. The work that he put in to be back was amazing. Now he’s got another thing.”

Arteta on White, Timber, and Zinchenko

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Ben White of Arsenal looks dejected after John Stones of Manchester City (not pictured) scores his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The manager also touched upon the fitness of Ben White, Jurrien Timber, and Oleksandr Zinchenko, all of whom are nearing returns. “They are quite close, the three of them. Today we’ll have to push. We are struggling a bit with the numbers, especially on our right side,” Arteta explained.

White has been dealing with a groin issue, while Timber is recovering from a muscular injury, and Zinchenko remains absent with a lingering calf problem.

The trio’s availability would provide a significant boost to the squad, particularly given the shortage of options at right-back.

Current injury list

Arsenal’s injury list is still significant, with notable absences including Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, and Odegaard.

Tierney is making steady progress in his return from a hamstring injury, while Partey’s situation remains vague as he continues to recover from an unspecified illness that prevented him from joining the Ghana squad during the break.

The return of Timber and White would offer some much-needed depth, especially with Arsenal’s packed fixture list in the coming weeks.

The challenge ahead

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, embraces Andoni Iraola, Manager of AFC Bournemouth, prior to the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Arsenal FC at Vitality Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)

Bournemouth, who have a poor record against Arsenal, will be looking to take advantage of the Gunners’ potential fitness concerns.

The Cherries have only avoided defeat three times in 14 Premier League encounters with Arsenal, and all three occasions came at home.

Despite this, Arsenal have enjoyed a dominant record against Bournemouth since their return to the Premier League in 2022, winning all four encounters by an aggregate score of 13-2.

Arsenal, currently aiming for their 2,000th top-flight win—a milestone reached previously only by Liverpool—will be hoping for a strong showing despite the absentees.

Arteta will be counting on his side’s depth and adaptability, especially given the uncertain status of key figures like Saka, Martinelli, and Havertz.