Ødegaard, Partey & Saka: Arsenal injury news and expected return dates ahead of Bournemouth game
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Arsenal will head to the Vitality Stadium this weekend with a significant concern over the fitness and recovery of some of their key players. The Gunners have started the season in a similar fashion to the last two, coming out strong and quickly establishing themselves as title contenders.
They have been so impressive that when they drew at the Etihad Stadium, some fans felt it was more like two points dropped than one gained. Mikel Arteta has transformed the mentality at the club, leveraging his experience with Pep Guardiola, and has even mentioned that he knows how things work at Manchester City.
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Hide AdAs they prepare for a match where they are considered heavy favourites to win, here’s a look at the injury situation as players return from the international break:
Thomas Partey
He missed the Ghana game due to what the club described as an illness. It wasn’t serious, but he just wasn't feeling well, so there is a good chance he will be back in the team this weekend. Possible return: This weekend v Bournemouth.
Bukayo Saka
Saka was forced off against Greece with an apparent thigh injury, causing concern for Arsenal as he is their star player, and any long-term absence could have a direct impact on the team. However, stand-in England manager Lee Carsley suggested it wasn’t serious, mentioning that Saka would have been close to playing if he’d stayed in camp. He said, “Bukayo would have been close [to playing vs Finland], but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him.” Mikel Arteta will likely provide an update later in the week, but he’s expected to be available. Possible return: This weekend v Bournemouth.
Ben White
White has missed the last two league games after picking up a knee injury. However, Arteta noted that the former Leeds United and Brighton defender was close to being involved against the Foxes, but he wasn’t risked before the international break. Possible return: This weekend v Bournemouth.
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Hide AdMartin Ødegaard
The influential midfielder underwent an MRI scan on an ankle injury earlier this month, and Arteta admitted it was "unlikely" the former Real Madrid man would return before the international break. Speaking last week, the Gunners boss said, “It will be a matter of weeks, but how long exactly I cannot tell you. We might get a surprise.” Predicted return date: October 27 v Liverpool.
Oleksandr Zinchenko
Zinchenko has not featured for Arsenal since coming on as a late substitute for Jurriën Timber in the 1-1 home draw with Brighton and Hove Albion last month. Speaking last week, Arteta noted that the Ukraine international would be “out for a few weeks” with his calf issue, meaning he would not return until after the international break. Predicted return date: This weekend v Bournemouth.
Takehiro Tomiyasu
The versatile Japanese defender has yet to feature in the league this season due to a knee injury. However, before the international break, Mikel Arteta commented on his progress: “He had partial training today, and he’s looked good. He’s progressing really well and is a little bit behind Mikel (Merino), but we don’t know about Tomi because he’s another one who pushes every single day. He’s in a good place now, I think.” Predicted return date: October 27 v Liverpool.
Kieran Tierney
When Tierney first came through, he was expected to be the cornerstone of the defence, but injuries have kept him on the sidelines more often than not, which is a shame for such a talented player. His current hamstring injury is expected to keep him out for a while, and he will likely miss this weekend’s game but could return by the end of the month.
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Hide AdKai Havertz
Arsenal are monitoring Havertz after he picked up a possible knee injury on international duty. It would be a significant setback given the strong start he’s made to the season if he were to be ruled out for an extended period. Reports from Germany suggest it’s not serious, and that the withdrawal was just precautionary. His predicted return date is this weekend, and we'll see if he gets straight back into the action.
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