Arsenal hit with Bukayo Saka injury blow as three changes made vs Bournemouth

Arsenal take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday afternoon and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has been forced into a number of tricky decisions for the trip to the South Coast

Arsenal are missing Bukayo Saka for their trip to Bournemouth on Saturday.

The winger pulled out of England duty after picking up an injury during the international break. And he has not recovered in time to play against the Cherries.

Saka, 23, had enjoyed a bright start to the season for the Gunners ahead of being sidelined. He had scored three goals and notched seven assists in all competitions so far.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth, Mikel Arteta gave an update on the winger’s fitness. He said: “It’s not a serious injury. He’s evolving really well. He’s done a few things in the last two days.

“He wasn’t fit enough to play with the national team the second game but we are hopeful. We have a training session this afternoon, he did some bits yesterday, so let’s see if he can make it on time.”

Saka’s absence was one of three changes made by Arteta for the trip to the South Coast. Summer signing Mikel Merino has been drafted in for his full Premier League debut in place of Jorginho.

Ben White has also been recalled to the starting XI in place of Gabriel Jesus. Neto is out of the squad entirely against his parent club – the Brazilian joined Arsenal on-loan from Bournemouth in the summer.

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Asked for a further update on the fitness of White, Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko, Arteta added: “They are quite close, the three of them.

“Again today we’re going to have to try to push and see how it is because obviously we are getting stronger with the numbers, especially in our right side, but hopefully we have some positive news today and we have some players back for tomorrow.”

Captain Martin Odegaard remains sidelined after picking up a serious injury during the last international break. Takehiro Tomiyasu is also out.

Arsenal could potentially seize top spot in the Premier League with victory against Bournemouth. Ahead of kick-off, they sit one point behind current leaders Liverpool – the Reds taking on Chelsea on Sunday.

Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Partey, Merino, Sterling, Trossard, Havertz.

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