Arsenal have been heavily affected by injuries in the 2024/25 season.
The Gunners haven’t had their skipper Martin Odegaard since the third game of the campaign, while the likes of Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Jesus have all spent some time on the sidelines.
The October international break has once again hurt Mikel Arteta as two key players have suffered an injury while on international duty.
Raheem Sterling could start for Arsenal vs Bournemouth after double injury scare
Arteta could have a couple of big problems when Arsenal take on Bournemouth on Saturday.
Bukayo Saka returned to North London early after picking up a hamstring issue while on international duty, while Gabriel Martinelli has suffered a calf injury with Brazil.
There’s a chance Arsenal could be without one of Saka and Martinelli against Bournemouth, if not both of them, which would be a big blow.
That could open the door for Raheem Sterling to get a rare start in the Premier League.
The Englishman, who joined the Gunners on a season-long loan deal on transfer deadline day, got the nod against Southampton just before the international break.
He looked sharp in that game, and with Saka and Martinelli both potentially injured, the Chelsea loanee provides options on either flank.
Sterling, who earns £100,000 a week at Arsenal, played on the left against the Saints. If Saka is out of the Bournemouth clash, we would like to see the former Manchester City man on the right flank.
Who else could start if both Martinelli and Saka are ruled out
Arsenal would be dealt a massive blow if both Martinelli and Saka are unavailable for the game against Bournemouth. There is a big chance it could happen.
Sterling is good enough to provide cover for one of them, but Arsenal will need someone else on the opposite side too.
Leandro Trossard is an option but he has been brilliant more centrally. That opens the door for Gabriel Jesus to come into the side – either as a number nine or out wide.
The Brazilian has looked nothing like himself for well over a year now. However, we all know that he can be unplayable if he returns to his best.
If Saka and Martinelli are out, we think that will give Jesus a big chance to save his Arsenal career.
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