That said, Arsenal are dealing with something of an injury crisis as Bukayo Saka was added to the growing list of Martin Odegaard, Ben White, Jurrien Timber and others. Mikel Arteta will be hoping not to have to deal with any further problems as his players complete their last international responsibilities.
Arsenal have the rare benefit of playing their game this weekend before title rivals Manchester City and Liverpool. Pep Guardiola has been very vocal on the rivalry developing between his side and the Gunners while Mikel Arteta has tried his best to temper the tension.
While Arsenal play Bournemouth in the late Saturday afternoon kick-off, City wait until Sunday at 2pm to face Wolves at Molineux, whereas Arne Slot’s side host Chelsea at Anfield. Arsenal will go top should they beat the Cherries and pile the pressure on their rivals to respond on the day.
Enforced rotation
Mikel Arteta has been on the end of plenty of scrutiny regarding his rotation, or lack of it. Yet with so many players out, he will have to make some decisions in the squad and give minutes to some fringe members who thankfully have both quality and something to prove as motivation.
To be fair to the Spaniard, he did make changes in the last match, unforced, as he tried to give time to Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus – both of whom could be needed on Saturday afternoon with Saka and Martinelli somewhat doubts. The Arsenal staff will make their assessments while Arteta’s Friday press conference might provide some clarity on their situations.
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