Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how Arsenal could line up for Saturday’s Premier League clash against Bournemouth.
Arsenal duo Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are both thought to have reasonable chances of being fit for Saturday’s Premier League game against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
Both wingers were hurt during the international break, as Saka suffered a hamstring injury while playing for England, while Martinelli picked up a calf concern on Brazil duty.
However, a recent report claimed that Saka is optimistic about his chances of being available for the weekend, while Martinelli was able to make the bench for Brazil’s World Cup qualifier versus Peru on Tuesday.
Martinelli should therefore be given the green light to come back in for Raheem Sterling on the left wing, while another attacking alteration will surely see Leandro Trossard replace the out-of-form Gabriel Jesus.
Thomas Partey was forced into a right-back role in the 3-1 win over Southampton due to injuries, but the Ghana international – who is expected to be back from illness for the weekend – could now revert to a midfield position alongside Declan Rice and Kai Havertz; Martin Odegaard has apparently suffered a setback in his recovery from an ankle problem.
Partey’s switch to a more familiar role is dependent on either Ben White or Jurrien Timber coming back from their knocks in time, but the latter is not believed to be suffering from anything severe and might be OK to join William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Riccardo Calafiori in defence.
David Raya‘s place in goal was never under threat, but his backup Neto cannot face his parent club, so 16-year-old Jack Porter – Arsenal’s youngest-ever male starter – might make up the numbers on the bench.
Arsenal possible starting lineup:
Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Havertz, Partey, Rice; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
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