Arsenal are preparing for the return of the Premier League as Bournemouth await the Gunners.
As the October international break nears its close, Mikel Arteta’s attention will turn to Arsenal’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
After seven games played in the league, the Gunners remain unbeaten, sitting just one point off the summit.
While morale is high at the Emirates, there is some concern heading into the next round of fixtures, as Arteta’s squad has been hit with a plague of injury.
- READ MORE: Mikel Arteta must drastically change one plan as injury update has Arsenal ‘seriously concerned’
Gabriel Martinelli injury update
The September international break presented the Arsenal manager with a nightmare scenario, as captain Martin Odegaard picked up an ankle injury.
Odegaard is expected to return in November, with the Gunners’ injury list growing during the October break.
The latest casualty is Gabriel Martinelli, who complained of discomfort in his calf during training with the Brazil national team.
Martinelli underwent a scan which found a small area of swelling on his calf, raising concern among supporters.
The winger has just found form after struggling to make an impact over the past year, seeing the scare over his fitness arrive at the worst possible moment.
Since the scan, it was reported that Martinelli missed training due to his injury, however, there is some optimism as the winger has not officially withdrawn from the squad.
How Arsenal feel about Martinelli’s injury ahead of Bournemouth
Arteta could be faced with a bit of a crisis on the wings ahead of Arsenal’s clash with Bournemouth at the Vitality.
Bukayo Saka withdrew from the England squad as a result of a hamstring injury, adding to the concern over Martinelli’s fitness status.
Fortunately, journalist Charles Watts shared an optimistic update on the Brazilian’s injury, sharing what he understands from the club’s point of view on the Inside Arsenal podcast.
“I don’t think, from what I understand certainly, that there is huge amounts of fear at Arsenal that this is something potentially serious,” Watts explained before previewing the Bournemouth match.
“A late decision will be taken whether he’s fit enough to play against Bournemouth. Arsenal will assess him when he comes back.
“He’s staying in Brazil, they haven’t rushed him home. There isn’t too much concern, certainly from the conversations I’ve had.”
Watts’ explanation regarding Martinelli remaining in Brazil suggests that the winger’s injury is nothing to worry about, with there still a chance he makes the squad to play the Cherries.
Of course, there could be some doubt if the 23-year-old is carrying a knock as the Selecao play in the early hours of Wednesday morning, followed by a long trip back to London before Saturday evening’s game.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
