Ahead of their Premier League comeback this weekend, Arsenal is concerned about injuries to several players. The Gunners’ next game is against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
The goal for Mikel Arteta’s team is to get closer to Liverpool, who are at the top of the table, by one point. Along with Manchester City, Arsenal is one of only two clubs in the Premier League that has not yet been defeated.
Like the previous international break, there are some obvious concerns regarding injuries during the current two-week break from domestic football. Among other things, the club would be worried about Bukayo Saka’s fitness.
The star forward was included in the starting lineup for Thursday night’s unexpected 2-1 loss to Greece, but he left the pitch early in the second half due to a hamstring issue. Since then, he has gone back to Arsenal.
Saka has contributed to the Gunners’ success thus far this season, helping out in all but one of their 2024–2025 Premier League games. Last time out, they defeated Southampton 3-1, and he scored one goal and provided two assists.
Bournemouth game boost
Arteta and his backroom crew would be extremely relieved if Saka is ‘hopeful’ that he will be healthy enough to play against Bournemouth this Saturday, according to The Athletic. A final decision regarding his availability will be made this week after he has been evaluated by the club’s medical staff.
A glimpse from the England team
In advance of the Three Lions’ match against Finland on Sunday night, England interim manager Lee Carsley provided a positive update on Saka. He gave an update on the Arsenal player at his pregame press conference.
“Bukayo would have been close,” stated Carsley. It would have been unjust to risk anything with him. I expect him to be alright because he is a positive person.
When will we learn more?
Before the match against Bournemouth, Arteta will give the most recent update during his pre-game press conference. Saka’s fitness and other topics will undoubtedly be discussed by Arsenal’s boss when he addresses the media on Friday.