Mikel Arteta could bring Thomas Partey back into the Arsenal lineup, while Eddie Nketiah could miss out with an injury.
The Emirates gears up for another Premier League game in quick succession as Arsenal host relegation-threatened Bournemouth. While the Cherries remain under tremendous pressure to avoid the drop, the Gunners seek to maintain a substantial advantage at the top of the pile.
Mikel Arteta was asked questions on various topics during his pre-match press conference, including Gabriel Jesus, Jorginho and Eddie Nketiah. While he refused to answer anything regarding Bukayo Saka and William Saliba’s new deals, he did give fitness updates on the aforementioned trio.
Jorginho was substituted at half-time against Everton, and Arteta later revealed he was ill before the game. He was asked whether the Italian would be available for the Bournemouth clash, as the manager confirmed his presence.
Arteta said, “Jorgi’s fine. He had an illness and he was suffering but to be fair, he put in a great effort and shift in the first half [against Everton]. We decided to take him off but he’s fit now.”
Arsenal vs Bournemouth Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Meanwhile, Nketiah went straight down the tunnel after full-time against Everton, as he may have aggravated the ankle problem. On the striker, Arteta said, “We are assessing him and it’s a bit uncertain what’s going to happen with him, to be honest. Let’s see and keep the options open. He’s very positive about it, so hopefully he will be fine.”
Finally, the press remains eager to understand the updates on injured striker Jesus. Arteta ruled him out of the Bournemouth clash, as the Brazilian could only return during the international break. Arteta did have a few words for the striker, as he suggested the Brazilian was close to returning.
He said, “He’s not far now. I don’t want to give a timeline but he’s doing certain things with the team and certain things outside the team. He’s not very close but he’s not far at all. He’s feeling better every day and the doctors are confident with the way the injury is evolving. We are in a good place with him, I think.”
Regarding team selection, Aaron Ramsdale will start in goal and have the same backline ahead of him. Meanwhile, Thomas Partey could come in for Jorginho in midfield, with the Italian international likely to play in the midweek Europa League clash.
Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka could line up either side of Partey. Leandro Trossard will continue to lead the line for a third game running, with Nketiah likely to remain absent altogether with an ankle problem. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli will complete the front three for Arsenal.
Predicted Arsenal XI: Ramsdale; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Partey, Xhaka; Saka, Trossard, Martinelli
