Arsenal could be without a number of key players for their trip to Bournemouth on Saturday. Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Fabio Vieira and William Saliba all didn’t take part in training in preparation for the weekend game.
In his press conference, Mikel Arteta said:
“Declan hasn’t trained yet, we have a session in an hour, we’ll get more news about him. Gabi [Martinelli] hasn’t trained, Leo same situation, Saka, same. They are all in the same pool, Willy had a knock, Fabio wasn’t involved. We have to assess them today”.
Arteta will be going up against long time friend and manager of Bournemouth Andoni Iraola. Arteta was asked if it will be easy putting their history aside for 90 minutes:
“Very easy, you’re in winning mode to compete and get the best out of your team. During and after is a different story, especially after.”
Arsenal fans have been critical of Kai Havertz upon arrival at the club but Arteta is determined to get the best out of him:
“Trying to help him as much as possible, be next to him, give him the minutes to exploit his talent. With any players giving support, especially when you see a player the way he applies himself, give him more support and tools. We will try to give him as much support and confidence as we possibly can.”
Emile Smith-Rowe impressed upon his return to the Arsenal first team against Brentford on Wednesday in the Carabao Cup. Fans urged Arteta to start him over Havertz but chances of seeing them play together against Bournemouth is high considering the injuries that are stacking up.
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