Arsenal injury updates ahead of Bournemouth including Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard latest

Mikel Arteta has provided updates on the fitness of several players following a series of injury concerns that arose during the international break.

The Gunners, who are currently third in the Premier League behind Liverpool and Manchester City, looking to maintain their unbeaten record after seven games.

However, some Arsenal fans have been left worried, as the international break has thrown up further injuries to the squad. brought back memories of the injury sustained by Martin Odegaard while playing for Norway in September.

Fortunately, Saka is expected to be available to play against Bournemouth, and Arteta generally had positive news to share when he spoke to the media on Friday morning.

Bukayo Saka missed England's 3-1 win over Finland on Sunday after returning to Arsenal following the injury against Greece. England interim boss Lee Carsley said he expected Saka to be "fine" earlier this week, and Arteta confirmed that to be the case.

"It's not a serious injury," the Arsenal boss remarked. "He's evolving really well, he's done a few things over the last two days. He really wasn't fit enough to play with the national team, the second game, but we are hopeful. We have a training session this afternoon. He did some bits yesterday, so let's see if he can make it on time."

Kai Havertz took a break from international duty with Germany, but is aiming to pick up where he left off against Bournemouth, pending a successful training session on Friday.

"He had a few issues," Arteta acknowledged. "We've been dealing with that. He's been absolutely brilliant. He has very good communication with the national team and manager and they understood the situation. We have modified everything that we could do here. If he trains well today, he has a good chance to be fit and available."

Martin Odegaard meanwhile is putting in the effort at Arsenal's gym, targeting a swift comeback from his September 9 injury. The signs are positive for the Norwegian's return to action.

"He's not going to be fit for this game," Arteta confirmed. "Next week will be a different story. But again, in that later stage of the rehab, where he is at the moment, because already he's doing a lot of stuff, he needs to clear some markers, clear some certain things and be comfortable doing especially with the ball. I think next week will be crucial to see how close he is."

When asked about the likelihood of Odegaard returning to play before the next international break in mid-November, Arteta confidently responded: "Yes."

Gabriel Martinelli journeyed to South America to represent Brazil in their World Cup qualifiers. He made a substitute appearance in the 2-1 victory over Chile but was absent from the 4-0 triumph over Peru due to an injury concern.

"With Gabi, he landed yesterday afternoon here, so we've had a very short time to be with him," Arteta explained. "Yesterday he went outside a little bit to see how he's feeling and today will be the next step to understand whether we want to take the risk, if he's fit. Because I know what the player is going to say: 'I will be fit, for sure'."