3 Arsenal stars set to miss Gunners' Premier League clash against Bournemouth - Reports
Arsenal could be without three stars for their Premier League clash against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, October 19. Kai Havertz, Kieran Tierney, and Martin Odegaard are likely to miss out.
Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka will be available for the clash. He was subbed off in the 51st minute in England's clash against Greece due to an injury. He has also backed out for the Three Lions' clash against Finland on Sunday, October 13. On the winger, Saka said (via Football.London):
“Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him. He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine.”
Arsenal captain Odegaard, meanwhile, suffered an ankle injury with Norway during the last international break. He is expected to return in November. Tierney, who has yet to make an appearance this season, will also remain out until Bournemouth.
Kai Havertz also didn't travel during the international break with Germany due to a knee injury. As per Football.London, he could also miss the clash against Bournemouth.
Among the returnees for Arsenal, Oleksandr Zinchenko will be back against Bournemouth. Mikel Arteta said about him before the international break:
"Oleks probably after the international break, if everything goes well, he’s progressing very well."
Zinchenko made two appearances this season but has been out of action since August. Meanwhile, Thomas Partey also didn't travel with Ghana but it was just due to an illness. Takehiro Tomiyasu also returned just before the break.
A look at Arsenal's 2024-25 season so far
The Gunners have started the 2024-25 season really well and are still unbeaten across competitions despite having some tough fixtures. They started the season with a 2-0 win at home over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League before beating Aston Villa 2-0 away.
Arsenal then drew 1-1 at home against Brighton & Hove Albion before beating arch-rivals Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 away from home. They then played out a goalless draw in their UEFA Champions League opener at Atalanta before drawing 2-2 at Manchester City in the league. They then hammered Bolton Wanderers 5-1 at home in the EFL Cup third round.
They beat Leicester City 4-2 at home despite squandering a 2-0 lead at one point in the match. Arsenal then beat Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) 2-0 in the Champions League and Southampton 3-1 in the league, both at home.
The Gunners sit third in the Premier League table, a point behind leaders Liverpool, and level on points with second-placed Manchester City.