1 hour ago
32
Arsenal face a crucial fixture in their Premier League title bid with Mikel Areta's side having the chance to increase their lead before Manchester City play next
Arsenal host Bournemouth at home on Saturday with the chance to move 12 points clear at the top with a win. The Gunners play more than 24 hours before Manchester City kick off at Chelsea on Sunday afternoon.
Mikel Arteta's team return to action after Tuesday's crucial 1-0 win at Sporting in the Champions League with the second-leg in north London on Wednesday night. But attention will be on this weekend's clash against the Cherries before next weekend's crucial clash at title rivals City.
And Arteta has several injury concerns within his squad ahead of a busy few weeks. Below is the latest Arsenal injury news as well as updates from Arteta...
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber all missed Thursday's session on the grass due to various fitness problems.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
When asked if any of them could return this weekend, Arteta said: "Yes, there have been changes there since yesterday."
He was then pushed on who might be back, to which he replied: "I don't know. Some of them."
Possible return date: Bournemouth (H) Saturday, April 11
Martin Odegaard
Odegaard was forced off in the second half in Portugal with an unspecified issue and Norway boss Stale Solbakken later confirmed that the 27-year-old had suffered a small injury setback.
He said: "He got a little one [injury] where he shouldn’t have, but I don’t think it’s anything serious. He’ll be on the field in the near future. It was a small setback, and we don’t need any more of them."
Possible return date: Bournemouth (H) Saturday, April 11
Piero Hincapie
Hincapie played for Ecuador in the two-week domestic break but hobbled off during one of their games, with Arteta confirming he does indeed have an issue.
Possible return date: Bournemouth (H) Saturday, April 11
Jurrien Timber
Right-back Timber has been nursing a groin issue since starting the 2-0 win over Everton one month ago, when he was substituted before the half-time interval.
Possible return date: Bournemouth (H) Saturday, April 11
Eberechi Eze
A calf problem has kept Eze out for three weeks, but Arteta has confirmed that he is available against Bournemouth.
What Arteta has said: "He is available. My first conversation with him after felt that niggle he wanted to be available the next week. That was not possible. The recovery, the way he has shown to get back, the way he has pushed."
Return date: Bournemouth (H) Saturday, April 11
Mikel Merino
Merino has missed the last few months after undergoing foot surgery. He is recovering well and was spotted in a protective boot at the Carabao Cup final with the aim of playing again this season.
Possible return date: May.
What Arteta has said: "Well he's another one who is going to push every boundary. He's doing a lot of exercises already.
"He reacted well to the surgery and he has no pain. I am sure there is a chance to make that period shorter."
English (US) ·