Arsenal will travel to Vitality Stadium to face AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday (30 September) where the Gunners will look to bounce back to winning ways after managing 2-2 draw against Tottenham last week.
Mikel Arteta expects to get some positive news on the injury front. Declan Rice was taken off at the break against Spurs – a situation that seemed “strange” to him.
Bukayo Saka was also taken off during the game, while the Gunners also lost Leandro Trossard to injury prior to the match. Gabriel Martinelli is also out with a hamstring injury while the likes of Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey are long-term absentees.
According to a report from Sky Sports, Rice has avoided a serious injury, and he is in contention for the Premier League clash on Saturday. The former West Ham skipper is certain to miss the Carabao Cup clash against Brentford, but he is most likely to start against Manchester City.
Rice underwent tests on Monday after he felt discomfort on his back, and the results revealed that the problem is not a major one.
Saka looked in severe pain against Spurs after he took a knock on his foot. The injury is not as serious as it was initially feared and it is most likely that he can shake it off ahead of Wednesday’s cup game, as per Football London.
Trossard was superb against Everton after he replaced Martinelli. The Belgian was certain to face Spurs, but he limped off in training prior to the game.
He isn’t expected to return against Brentford, but most likely to be in contention for the weekend’s clash against Bournemouth.
Martinelli picked up a hamstring injury against the Toffees. He missed the north London derby and will miss the cup game in midweek. Football London suggest that Martinelli could be available for the massive game against City, but Arsenal are unlikely to take big risks with him.
Thus, Saka is certain to return against Bournemouth while Rice and Trossard are also in contention and could play some part.
