Report: Arsenal Injury Latest Ahead of Bournemouth Match

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·17 October 2024

Report: Arsenal Injury Latest Ahead of Bournemouth Match

Arsenal Injury Update: Saka, Martinelli, Havertz and Latest Return News

As Arsenal prepare for their upcoming Premier League clash with Bournemouth, concerns over the club’s growing injury list dominate headlines. The Gunners, fresh off the international break, face the prospect of missing several key players. Among them are Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz, who are all dealing with fitness issues. With Arsenal’s injury woes piling up, Mikel Arteta will be keen to manage these setbacks as he seeks to maintain the team’s momentum. Here’s the latest injury news and potential return dates for the affected players.

Saka’s Injury: Hamstring Worry Following International Duty

Bukayo Saka, one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season, raised alarm bells when he limped off during England’s 2-1 defeat to Greece last week. The winger was substituted after 51 minutes, and initial reports suggest a hamstring injury was to blame. Saka subsequently withdrew from the England squad and missed their 3-1 victory over Greece in the second match of the international break.

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England coach Lee Carsley provided some insight into the situation, saying, “Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him. He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine.”

Photo: IMAGO

Despite the scare, there is optimism that Saka will be fit to feature against Bournemouth. He is currently undergoing assessments with Arsenal’s medical team, and a final decision on his availability is expected closer to the match. For now, Gunners fans can breathe a little easier, as the injury does not appear to be serious.

Potential return date: Saturday, 19 October vs Bournemouth

Martinelli’s Calf Issue: A Waiting Game

Gabriel Martinelli, another pivotal player in Arsenal’s attack, picked up an injury while on international duty with Brazil. The forward made a brief appearance during Brazil’s 2-1 win over Chile, only to be sidelined shortly thereafter. Over the weekend, Martinelli was seen training with his calf taped, sparking concerns about his fitness. He missed Brazil’s subsequent fixture against Peru, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding his condition.

The Brazilian Football Confederation released a statement explaining that Martinelli had undergone an MRI, which revealed a small area of muscle oedema in his right calf. He has since returned to London for further assessment by Arsenal’s medical staff.

Photo IMAGO

With no clear timeline for his recovery, Martinelli’s participation in upcoming matches remains in doubt. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates in the coming days to gauge whether he will be fit enough to face Bournemouth or if he will need more time on the sidelines.

Potential return date: Unknown

Havertz’s Knee Troubles: On Track for Premier League Return

Kai Havertz was another player unable to join his national team due to injury. The German forward withdrew from the squad ahead of Germany’s Nations League matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Netherlands, citing knee problems. The German Football Association confirmed the issue in a statement, wishing the player a swift recovery: “Kai Havertz will miss the upcoming international matches due to knee problems. Get well soon, Kai!”

Photo: IMAGO

Despite this setback, Havertz’s form in recent games has been impressive. He scored his fourth goal in as many matches in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Southampton before the break. There is optimism within the Arsenal camp that he will be fit in time for the Bournemouth fixture, as he continues his rehabilitation.

Potential return date: Saturday, 19 October vs Bournemouth

Partey, Odegaard and Others: Additional Concerns for Arteta

Arsenal’s injury concerns do not stop with Saka, Martinelli, and Havertz. A number of other key players are currently on the treatment table or in various stages of recovery:

Thomas Partey: The Ghanaian midfielder missed out on international duty with Ghana after suffering from illness. Partey had been deployed at right-back in Arsenal’s win over Southampton, but his condition has improved, and he is expected to be available for the Bournemouth match. Potential return date: Saturday, 19 October vs Bournemouth
Martin Odegaard: The Norwegian playmaker has been out of action since suffering an ankle injury during Norway’s Nations League win over Austria last month. While Odegaard has been spotted training on an anti-gravity treadmill, his return to the first-team squad may take longer than initially hoped. Arteta has expressed uncertainty over his timeline, stating, “Martin is very difficult. I expected still with the boot and a lot of things, but he’s working so hard, and he’s pushing. Difficult to give a timeline.” Photo: IMAGO
Potential return date: Mid-November
Takehiro Tomiyasu: The Japanese defender made his return from injury just before the international break, featuring briefly off the bench. However, there have been unconfirmed reports that Tomiyasu may have picked up another knock, potentially keeping him out for another month. Arsenal have yet to issue an official statement on his condition. Potential return date: Unknown
Jurrien Timber: Timber missed the Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain due to a muscle injury. Like several of his teammates, the Dutch defender stayed back in London during the international break for treatment. Timber’s absence has been felt in defence, and his return could offer Arteta more options at the back. Potential return date: Saturday, 19 October vs Bournemouth

Zinchenko and Tierney: A Long Wait for Returns

Two other key Arsenal players, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney, have also been sidelined with long-term injuries.

Oleksandr Zinchenko: The versatile Ukrainian has featured only twice this season, with a persistent calf injury hampering his involvement. Zinchenko is progressing well, and Arteta recently hinted that he could be available after the international break. Potential return date: Saturday, 19 October vs Bournemouth
Kieran Tierney: The Scottish full-back’s hamstring injury, suffered during Euro 2024, has kept him out of action all season. Tierney’s rehabilitation is ongoing, but there is no immediate return in sight, leaving Arsenal fans unsure of when they will next see him in action. Potential return date: Unknown

Conclusion: Managing Arsenal’s Injury Crisis

As Arsenal approach a crucial stretch of the season, the fitness of several key players hangs in the balance. The Gunners’ medical team is working hard to ensure that those currently sidelined are given the best possible care, but the impact of these injuries will inevitably shape Mikel Arteta’s plans in the coming weeks. With the Premier League title race heating up, every match becomes vital, and Arsenal must find a way to navigate these setbacks if they are to maintain their challenge at the top of the table.