How Arsenal Could Line-up Without Bukayo Saka vs Bournemouth as Mammoth Run of Fixtures on the Horizon

Mikel Arteta is facing numerous selection challenges as Arsenal prepare for their first match following the international break.

Arteta, who may already have a deep dislike for international breaks, now faces even more frustration with Bukayo Saka becoming the latest Arsenal player to suffer an injury.

Saka was forced off the field during England’s embarrassing loss at Wembley Stadium against Greece, with concerns over a potential hamstring injury.

This injury comes as another setback for Arsenal, particularly as Martin Odegaard also picked up an injury while representing Norway in the September internationals. Odegaard is still recovering from an ankle problem and has yet to make his return to the squad.

With a demanding stretch of fixtures ahead, starting with an away match against Bournemouth immediately after the international break, Arteta is likely to face significant selection dilemmas..

How Arteta Could Line-up Arsenal Players Without Without Bukayo Saka vs Bournemouth

Goalkeeper: David Raya

Arteta’s situation could take a turn for the worse if his key goalkeeper, David Raya, suffers any sort of injury.

However, for the time being, the Spanish shot-stopper remains in top form, having been one of Arsenal’s standout players this season.

Defence: White, Saliba, Gabriel, Timber

Arsenal’s central defensive pair, William Saliba and Gabriel, have become one of the Premier League’s most formidable partnerships.

They are likely to feature in the upcoming match against Bournemouth, with Jurrien Timber also anticipated to maintain his place in the defense, provided he is fit after missing the international break.

Ben White is expected to be available for selection after being sidelined for the last four games due to injury. With an additional two weeks of recovery, the English defender should be ready to make his return.

Midfield: Rice, Merino, Nwaneri

Arteta faces growing challenges in midfield, with Odegaard still missing from training and Thomas Partey dealing with a knock.

Declan Rice is the clear choice to anchor Arsenal’s midfield trio, with Spanish international Mikel Merino as a possible partner for the Englishman.

Merino, who made his debut for the north London club before the international break, could help ease Rice’s defensive responsibilities if Partey is unavailable.

Arsenal may also struggle with creativity both in midfield and in attack, which could open the door for Ethan Nwaneri to make his first Premier League start.

Attack: Sterling, Havertz, Martinelli

Saka and Kai Havertz have contributed a total of 14 goals and assists for Arsenal in the Premier League this season, which could pose a challenge if they are unavailable for next weekend’s match against Bournemouth.

Although Havertz withdrew from Germany’s squad during the October break, he is expected to be fit and ready when Arsenal travel south.

In Saka’s absence, Arteta can choose between the reliable Leonardo Trossard and summer signing Raheem Sterling.

Sterling appears to be the most direct replacement, while Gabriel Martinelli aims to maintain his scoring momentum from the left flank.

In other news, Time’s Up: Arsenal Flop May Never Play for Mikel Arteta Again After Youngster’s Emergence