Eight Arsenal players could be out of the latest Premier League game

Mikel Arteta has given a fresh update on his squad as Arsenal’s injury problems continue to mount.

Arsenal are facing a potential crisis ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Bournemouth. Manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that up to eight players could be sidelined due to injuries.

Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey are confirmed absentees. Timber is nursing a knee problem, while Partey has a groin issue.

The injury list grows more concerning though. Key players missed training throughout the week. Winger Bukayo Saka is dealing with a foot injury, while midfielder Declan Rice is hampered by a back issue. Additionally, attackers Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are both struggling with hamstring problems.

“He [Rice] wasn’t available [against Brentford on Wednesday],” Arteta said at a press conference on Friday.

“He had to leave the London derby [early] and he hasn’t trained yet. We have another session in an hour or two, so we’ll have more news about him today.”

The situation is similarly concerning for Martinelli, Saka, and Trossard. None of these players participated in training sessions this week.

Arteta added that midfielder Fabio Vieira and defender William Saliba are in “the same pool”. The pair missed Wednesday’s 1-0 Carabao Cup win at Brentford due to a lack of fitness.

On the gravity of the situation, Arteta noted: “We have a few. We have to see and adapt to the situation because that’s a big number.”

The Arsenal manager will make his final decision on the matchday squad after Friday’s training session.