‘Never a good sign’ – Arsenal could be without two key players v Bournemouth

Arsenal will travel to Vitality Stadium on Saturday (27 September) to face Bournemouth in the Premier League and Mikel Arteta could be without two key players.

The Gunners are heading into this game on the back of a 1-0 win over Brentford in the EFL Cup clash, and they will be looking to maintain their unbeaten run to the season.

The North London outfit managed a 2-2 draw against Tottenham in their previous league game, and need to raise their game to pick up all three points.

The Gunners are sweating over the fitness of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli while Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber are long-term absentees.

Saka picked up an injury against Spurs and looked in terrible pain. Although the injury is not serious, the 22-year-old is still a major doubt for this game.

The England winger is recovering, but Arteta has hinted that Saka could miss the weekend clash.

“He was limping quite badly after the match. We had to get him off the field which is never a good sign,” said Arteta, as quoted by Football London.

He hasn’t been able to participate in the session.” When asked if he would be out for the game against Bournemouth, the Spaniard added: “It’s a possibility yes.”

The Gunners could also be without Rice for this game. The England midfielder – who joined in the summer on a club-record deal from West Ham – was taken off at the break against Spurs after he felt discomfort.

Initially, it felt like he had picked up a muscle injury but Arteta has confirmed that it’s his back that had a problem. Scan report suggested that the injury was minor and he wasn’t risked for the midweek game against Brentford.

Rice will be treated over the next few days though and could return to the squad against the Cherries. Arteta could take a cautious approach by resting him with the big game against Manchester City coming up shortly.