Arteta reveals key quartet haven't trained ahead of Bournemouth game

09/29/2023 Soccer

Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka still haven’t trained since getting injured in the north London derby, reveals Mikel Arteta as the Arsenal boss faces an injury crisis for trip to Bournemouth

  • Mikel Arteta reveals Declan Rice has not trained since injury in Tottenham draw
  • Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka have also missed training
  • Mail Sport’s new WhatsApp Channel: Get the breaking news and exclusives here

Arsenal face being without at least four first-team players on Saturday at Bournemouth as the injuries already mount up.

Mikel Arteta confirmed Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka have all not trained since last weekend’s north London derby against Tottenham.

That adds to the absences of Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber, and a knock to Fabio Vieira.

It leaves Arteta with the likelihood of needing to rotate his team once again, following the 1-0 victory over Brentford on Wednesday.

He said: ‘They are all in the same pool. Fabio wasn’t involved in the last game. We have a few. We have to see and adapt to the situation because that’s a big number.’

Mikel Arteta has revealed that four key Arsenal players have not trained this week ahead of Saturday’s game against Bournemouth

Declan Rice was forced off at half-time of last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham due to a problem with his back

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It comes ahead of the clash against Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth — a friendship between the two managers going back to their playing days.

‘We know each other really well. We played together, we had fantastic times together,’ said Arteta.

‘We played together in Anteguoko, which is a team in San Sebastian that has produced a lot of players over the years, they do fantastic work.

‘We were privileged to be raised there. That’s the beauty of football that 30 years later we are here together in the Premier League as managers. I’m really happy for that.’

But their friendship will be put aside for the 90 minutes.

‘Very easy (to put friendship aside)’ he said. ‘You are in winning mode. Compete. Get the best for your team and get in the battle. Before and after is a different story, especially after, but during there is nothing there.’

Bukayo Saka was forced off late on against Spurs and has not returned to training since

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola played with Arteta in San Sebastian, but their friendship is set to be put aside for 90 minutes on Saturday

Kai Havertz had another mixed game midweek, and his manager stressed how the club are continuing to support him to get the best out of him.

He added: ‘Trying to help him as much as possible. Be next to him, give him the tools, confidence and minutes to exploit his talent.

‘There are so many parts to his game that he is doing exceptionally well, and we know he has to keep improving.

‘As with any player, give him support, you see a player that does what he days every single day and applies himself. If they don’t perform, it’s up to us.’

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