Every word Mikel Arteta said on Rice injury, Saka issue, Saliba knock and Tomiyasu Arsenal form
The Gunners were comfortable winners in last season’s away trip but Mikel Arteta will be hoping for a smoother clash than the late dramatic twist and turns of the home fixture last season.
Reiss Nelson was the saviour on the day and after his goal in midweek, the winger is in with a chance of a start in the league. Injuries to Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli remain under assessment as Arteta is sure to provide the latest on the pair.
Furthermore, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have also been doubts having missed the trip to Brentford. Thomas Partey is on the road to recovery but it’s unlikely he will be ready in time for the trip to the south coast.
Meanwhile, Arteta’s opponents Bournemouth are without a win in the league so far this season. Although they did manage to hold Chelsea to a draw in their own ground a couple of weeks ago.
Here's everything Mikel Arteta said in his pre-match press conference on Friday:
How’s Rice?
He wasn’t available. He had to leave the London Debry and he hasn’t trained yet. We have another session in an hour or two so we’ll have more news about him today.
Martinelli?
Again, he hasn’t trained. We want him back, we need him back, but at the moment he’s not been available.
Trossard?
Same situation.
Saka?
Same situation.
Will you make that decision based on the games you’ve got coming up?
No, the assessment is OK. Are they fit enough, has he done enough to be able to be selected tomorrow and that’s the question mark. So far he hasn’t done enough to be with the team in training.
Are any closer than others?
They are all in the same pool. Willy as well had a knock. Fabio wasn’t involved in the last game. We have a few. We have to see and adapt to the situation because that’s a big number.
What Aaron
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