Nwaneri starts, Saka and Martinelli missing, White returns – Arsenal changes for Bournemouth

Arsenal take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday as the Premier League returns to action after a period of time off due to the international break. Arsenal have unfortunately not made it through this fortnight unscathed.

Both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are understood to have suffered problems which sees them as doubts for the clash with the Cherries. Arsenal were comfortable winners in last season’s clash but both Saka and Martin Odegaard started and scored however Martinelli was indeed missing with Gabriel Jesus operating on the left.

Mikel Arteta has several options in reserve to cope with his current absences plus the hope that some of his previously injured squad members will return. That said, David Raya is of course expected to continue in the goalkeeper position after continuing to establish himself as Spain’s starting keeper with Unai Simon unavailable.

In defence, Ben White was said to be in contention for the Southampton match before the break so the hope is he can return for Bournemouth. Jurrien Timber is perceived as a higher risk and so therefore allowing him the right time to return would be preferable.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes continue to start in the middle as their centre-back partnership goes on. At left-back, while Takehiro Tomiyasu has returned and there is hope that Oleksandr Zinchenko will follow soon, Riccardo Calafiori has made the spot his own for now and also continues.

Into midfield, and Thomas Partey has not played with Ghana due to a medical issue and therefore it makes sense for Mikel Merino who has been fit to feature for Spain to come in. Declan Rice scored for England against Finland but moves back into the number six role as his new Spanish midfield partner looks to establish himself in the team.

With potentially both Saka and Martinelli out of the picture, Kai Havertz should still be starting in the striker role, with hope his goalscoring form continues. Yet there is not room for Gabriel Jesus with Leandro Trossard given the nod on the left.

This moves the Belgian out of midfield, with his role being filled by Ethan Nwaneri to make his first Premier League start in attacking midfield. A good test of his ability but certainly earned based on recent performance.

On the right is Raheem Sterling. Saka and/or Martinelli could yet make the bench where Jesus will also be who could come on to try and make an impact on the day.

Changed Arsenal XI vs Southampton: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Merino, Nwaneri; Sterling, Havertz, Trossard