Three Arsenal changes Mikel Arteta must make v Bournemouth amid injuries and ‘hall of shame’ display

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Mikel Arteta will almost certainly have to make changes this weekend. 

Arsenal will travel to take on Bournemouth in a Premier League clash on Saturday.

Mikel Arteta will have to shake up his starting XI for this match. Gabriel Martinelli is due to be assessed following an injury scare whilst on duty with Brazil. 

Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka picked up a knock playing for England. On top of that, the Gunners are still without club captain Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz is nursing a knee issue, and there is a general need for the manager to keep things fresh. 

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Three Arsenal players who must start against Bournemouth 

Mikel Merino

Having just returned to fitness in time to make a couple of substitute appearances prior to the international break, Mikel Merino will now be desperate to start his first game for Arsenal. 

The Spanish midfielder will likely quickly become a regular in the side. Whilst Thomas Partey has generally impressed so far this season, Merino represents the future of this team.

Gabriel Jesus

Arteta has to protect Havertz from time to time, and a trip to the Vitality Stadium, with all due respect to the Cherries, could be an opportunity to do exactly that. Arsenal ought to have enough in the tank to beat the south coast club even without the German striker.

What’s more, if Gabriel Jesus is to stand any chance of rediscovering some form then he needs to play. Jesus was criticised by Arsenal fans recently who accused him of producing a “hall of shame” display against Southampton last time out. The Brazilian needs to send a message and prove his worth.

Raheem Sterling

Whether it be in place of Saka on the right or Martinelli on the left, there is certainly a space for Raheem Sterling to fill this weekend.

The Gunners signed the 29-year-old winger on loan from Chelsea this summer to provide strength in depth. Arteta must now show faith in that plan.

What’s more, Sterling needs to game time to find his feet at Arsenal. There is no doubt that the 82-cap England international has the capacity to have a huge impact for the Gunners this season, but he will only reach that level if he is given the opportunity to play his way into form and grow in confidence.