Mikel Arteta says one Arsenal star will always say he's fit to play, needs to be held back if not fully fit
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Arsenal are preparing to return to Premier League action after the international break, with a trip to Bournemouth on the cards.
The Gunners went into the October break on the back of four consecutive wins in all competitions, and they remain unbeaten this season.
Arsenal, who currently sit third in the Premier League table, are set to take on a Bournemouth side that lost 1-0 to Leicester City in their last game before the break.
Once again, international duty proved a source of concern for the Gunners and the fanbase, with a number of players suffering knocks.
For instance, Bukayo Saka limped off during England's defeat by Greece, while Gabriel Martinelli picked up an issue whilst on duty with Brazil.
Mikel Arteta, speaking to the Arsenal media team on Friday ahead of the Bournemouth game, provided updates on both forwards.
Gabriel Martinelli always says he’ll be fit for Arsenal
Arteta stressed that Saka’s injury is not serious and is hopeful that he can be fit for the trip to the south coast.
As for Martinelli, Arteta said he’s not too sure about his fitness as he only returned to England on Thursday afternoon.
The Arsenal boss also said the medical and coaching staff will have to really think about whether they want to take the risk, as Martinelli will always say he’s fine.
“Well, with Gabby he landed yesterday (Thursday) afternoon here so we have very short time to be with him,” said Arteta.
“Yesterday he went outside to do a little bit and see how he's feeling.
“Again today (Friday) will be another 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'm going to be fit for sure'.”
READ MORE: Chris Sutton makes bold Bournemouth v Arsenal result prediction
Bournemouth v Arsenal team news
Bournemouth's Tyler Adams has been out all season so far following back surgery but is now closing in on a first-team return.
This is also the case for Milos Kerkez, who has trained this week and could be available for Saturday, as reported by Arsenal's official website.
As for Arsenal, they are sweating on the fitness of Saka and Martinelli, while Thomas Partey is fine.
Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber missed games for Germany and the Netherlands with issues, but Havertz could be in contention gainst Bournemoiuth.
Ben White has been out for three weeks with a groin problem, while Martin Odegaard, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kieran Tierney remain on the sidelines.
Finally, goalkeeper Neto is ineligible to play against his parent club.
