Arsenal returns to Premier League action after the international break. The first opponent lined up for them is Bournemouth. They will face the Cherries at their home ground the Vitality Stadium.
The Gunners have had a great start to their 2024-2025 campaign. They are in the top 3 of the Premier League table. Arsenal sits in the third position just below their arch-title rivals Manchester City with 17 points. Liverpool is on the top of the table unbeaten with 18 points.
A fierce face-off is on its way where Arsenal clash against the leaders Liverpool. They will face each other at the Anfield Stadium later this month. The Gunners will look to secure three points in their match against Bournemouth. These three points will place Arsenal at the top of the table.
Mikel Arteta has shared updates on his players who have been out of the squad due to injuries. There is bitter-sweet news as the captain Martin Odegaard is still not fit. The Norwegian is slated to be out till the next international break which is in November.
This means that the captain will miss out on Arsenal’s trip to Bournemouth. Arteta is hopeful that Odegaard can be fit till next week if all things go well, he said-
” I think he’s not going to be fit for this game. Next week will be a different story”.
There are positive updates, as Bukayo Saka is hopeful of returning to the Arsenal squad. The Englishman suffered an injury while playing for England in the Nations League. Kai Havertz has also recovered from his knee injury but has recovered and is ready for selection.
Harsh time for Arsenal during the international break
The International break has not been particularly kind for the Gunners. There are many players who injured themselves while playing their part during their international duty.
Martin Odegaard suffered an ankle injury in Norway’s match against Austria in the Nations League. The injury was a serious one which came as a huge problem for Arsenal. This left a huge gap in Arsenal’s midfield which has been somehow handled by the manager Mikel Arteta.
The Norwegian suffered an ankle injury which is deemed serious. He may return to the squad soon although his playing against Bournemouth is doubtful. Mikel Arteta has hinted that Odegaard’s injury status is positive.
Bukayo Saka is the second player who fell to injury in the international break. The youngster limped off the pitch in England’s game against Greece in the Nations League. Arteta says that Saka’s injury is not that serious and is considered for selection.
Gabriel Martinelli also injured himself in Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers match against Chile. He was wearing a bandage on his calf in the training sessions in the Brazil camp. According to the reports of TNT Sports, the Brazilian medical staff stated that Martinelli has suffered an Edema.
Will the Gunners maintain their top form against Bournemouth?
The Premier League is back in full swing. Arsenal will look to continue their winning form and get essential points to rise up in the Premier League table. They currently are in the third position of the table. A win against Bournemouth might give them the chance to climb to the top of the table.
Bournemouth have had a shaky start to the campaign. They sit in the 15th position of the Premier League table with 8 points. Leicester City beat the Cherries 1-0 in their previous Premier League match. Bournemouth will be confident about beating the Gunners as they face them at the Vitality Stadium.
There are concerns for Mikel Arteta regarding their injured players. This setback may not be a problem as more players might get their time to shine. Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz can get their chance to get under the spotlight.
The competition will be tough for the Gunners as they face Bournemouth at their home stadium. This should not put pressure on the players and manager as they are in good form. Mike Arteta is aiming for trophies this season. A win in the return to Premier League might be a confidence boost for the Gunners.
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