Arsenal: How 6 absences could cause risk to Martinelli

Bournemouth and Arsenal face each other this Saturday (19) , at Vitality Stadium, in a game valid for the eighth round of the Premier League . Coach Mikel Arteta may have six absences for the match and is considering “risking” Gabriel Martinelli .

Martin Odegaard is once again ruled out of the weekend clash. But the number of casualties could increase. Bukayo Saka suffered an injury during the FIFA World Cup, but according to Arteta, it is not a concern and his recovery is progressing very well.

— He did some tests in the last few days when he came back from the national team after the second game. We are hopeful. We have a training session this afternoon and he did some tests yesterday, so we will see if he can (be available) — said the Arsenal coach in a press conference held this Friday (18).

Kai Havertz was another player to pick up an injury during the FIFA World Cup, but Arteta said there is a good chance the German striker, who has scored four goals in his last four games, will be available for the game against Bournemouth.

Other good news is that Ben White , Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko have made good progress in their recovery and are close to returning to action. “Hopefully we will have some good news today and we will have some players back tomorrow,” said manager Arteta.

Thomas Partey is fit but Takehiro Tomiyasu , who has suffered a recurrence of his knee problem, remains an unknown quantity.

Arsenal line-up: Will Gabriel Martinelli play?

Gabriel Martinelli arrived in London last Thursday (17) and had little time to be evaluated after being injured representing Brazil in the South American Qualifiers.

“ Yesterday he went out to do tests and see how he is feeling. Today will be another step to understand if we want to take the risk if he is fit .”