Arsenal were facing several injury problems heading into their clash with AFC Bournemouth, and Mikel Arteta has had to make a number of changes.
Arteta revealed in his press conference that up to nine players were facing problems heading into the game, following the international break.
Some players even missed their National Team’s fixtures during the break, with Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey kept at home with problems.
However, both players managed to return to face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, but Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber could not recover in time.
Why Bukayo Saka is missing from Bournemouth vs Arsenal
Saka came off injured during England’s defeat to Greece during the international break, and returned home before his side’s second fixture.
Arteta revealed that Saka had not suffered a serious injury, but that he was doubtful for the game against Bournemouth.
Speaking ahead of the game, Arteta claimed that he did not want to take a risk over Saka’s injury.
“We tried the last few days. We tried yesterday and he didn’t have the right feeling. If he feels like that then there’s no point pushing him,” Arteta stated of Saka.
Jurrien Timber still not recovered from injury during Arsenal vs PSG
Timber missed Arsenal’s win over Southampton before the break, having been withdrawn at half time during Arsenal’s Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
The Dutchman missed the international break, and has not yet regained full fitness to return for his club.
Having missed last season with injury, Arsenal are right to be extra cautious over Timber, and with Ben White returning, he has not been risked against Bournemouth.
With Takehiro Tomiyasu also suffering a setback, there is now extra pressure on White to stay fit until Timber is deemed ready to return.
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