Arteta could be without a number of his key stars (Picture: Getty)
Six Arsenal stars were not spotted in training on Friday afternoon ahead of their Premier League clash with Bournemouth.
The Gunners have picked up a number of injury concerns in the last two weeks. Gabriel Martinelli has missed his side’s last three games with Leandro Trossard ruled out ahead of last Sunday’s derby clash against Tottenham.
Declan Rice was forced off at half-time in that game with Bukayo Saka hobbling off before full-time.
Speaking at a press conference, Mikel Arteta confirmed all four have not trained ahead of the club’s final session on Friday afternoon.
He also revealed William Saliba and Fabio Vieira were also fresh doubts ahead of Saturday’s game.
‘Declan hasn’t trained yet, we have a session in an hour, we’ll get more news about him,’ Arteta said. ‘Gabi [Martinelli] hasn’t trained, Leo same situation, Saka, same. They are all in the same pool.’
He continued: ‘Willy had a knock, Fabio wasn’t involved,’ confirmed Arteta. ‘We have to assess them today.’
Saka limped off during Sunday’s 2-2 draw at the Emirates (Picture: Getty)
In a training gallery shared by Arsenal on Friday evening, none of the six were spotted in training ahead of their trip to the Vitality Stadium.
Arsenal are not the only side dealing with a lengthening injury list with Chelsea, Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United all without at least nine members of their squad.
Asked why Arsenal’s problems are suddenly beginning to mount, Arteta said: ‘Different reasons. Some happen in training, some are knocks, some are very small muscular niggles.
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‘But as well the load coming from before the national team and then after the national team the load went through the roof and the demands continue to be really high.
‘The fact we had three or four out already didn’t give enough time to some of them to have the exposure they needed.’
‘It’s about now , it’s about Bournemouth which is the most important game of the season we have now,’ Arteta added when asked if next weekend’s game against Manchester City would impact his team selection tomorrow.’
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