Arteta confirms Odegaard out against Bournemouth as Saka, Martinelli updates given

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Bukayo Saka’s injury in England is “not serious”, meaning he is set to start against Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Gunners are unbeaten in their opening seven Premier League games but have several injury concerns ahead of their trip to the south coast.

Club captain Martin Odegaard is unlikely to be available until November due to an ankle problem, while Gabriel Martinelli and Saka picked up injuries during the international break.

“He will not be fit for this game,” Arteta told reporters on Friday morning.

“Next week will be a different story. He needs to clear some markers. Next week will be crucial to understand how far it is.”

Saka limped off during England’s home defeat to Greece but Arteta is hopeful of being able to perform at the Vitality Stadium.

“It is not a serious injury. It is developing very well. He has done a few things in the last couple of days. We are hopeful. Let’s see if he can make it in time.”

On Martinelli, the Spaniard added: “He landed yesterday afternoon. Again, today will be another step.”

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Thomas Partey (Ghana) and Kai Havertz (Germany) stopped representing their countries this month and Arteta says the former is available this weekend.

Havertz has played plenty of football over the past year and his omission from Julian Nagelsmann’s squad was more of a precaution, although Arteta says Friday’s training session will be crucial.

“He had some problems,” he said. “We’ve been dealing with that. If he trains well today, he has a good chance.”

Of struggling defenders Benjamin White, Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko, Arteta said: “All three are quite close. Today we will have to push. We are struggling a bit with numbers, especially on our right side.”

Japan full-back Takehiro Tomiyasu has yet to play for Arsenal this season and Arteta has revealed he has picked up “something else” (another injury) but does not think he will be out for a “long period”.

Arteta also commented on Thomas Tuchel being appointed England manager, saying: “I think he’s one of the best managers in the world without a doubt… Very exciting times.

“I spoke to some of the players, they immediately had a smile on their face. That’s always a good sign.”

Arteta also confirmed he was not one of 10 Football Association managers contacted by Mark Bullingham to replace Gareth Southgate.