Sterling and Nwaneri starts, Saka and Martinelli absent, White returns – Arsenal’s lineup changes for Bournemouth as Mikel Arteta deals with critical injury situation…

Arsenal will see Sterling and Nwaneri starting, but Saka and Martinelli will not participate. White’s return adds depth to the squad as Mikel Arteta addresses a pressing injury dilemma for the upcoming match against Bournemouth.

As Arsenal prepares for the Bournemouth fixture, Sterling and Nwaneri will start, with Saka and Martinelli unavailable. The return of White provides some relief for Mikel Arteta as he navigates a serious injury crisis.

Arsenal will see Sterling and Nwaneri starting, but Saka and Martinelli will not participate. White’s return adds depth to the squad as Mikel Arteta addresses a pressing injury dilemma for the upcoming match against Bournemouth.

Arsenal is set to implement five significant alterations as Mikel Arteta navigates a challenging injury situation.

The Gunners will face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, marking the return of the Premier League following the international break. Unfortunately, Arsenal has not emerged from this period without injury concerns.

Both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are reported to be facing fitness issues, casting doubt on their participation in the match against Bournemouth.

In last season’s encounter, Arsenal secured a comfortable victory, with both Saka and Martin Odegaard contributing goals, while Martinelli was absent, leaving Gabriel Jesus to play on the left flank.

Mikel Arteta has a variety of options available to address these current absences, along with the anticipation that some previously injured players may return.

David Raya is expected to retain his position as goalkeeper, having solidified his role as Spain’s first-choice keeper in the absence of Unai Simon.

In defense, Ben White is believed to be in contention for the match against Bournemouth after being considered for the Southampton game prior to the break.

Jurrien Timber is viewed as a higher-risk option, so it would be preferable to allow him additional time to recover.

William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes will continue their partnership in central defense.

At left-back, while Takehiro Tomiyasu has returned and there is optimism regarding Oleksandr Zinchenko’s recovery, Riccardo Calafiori has currently secured the position.

In midfield, Thomas Partey has been sidelined from international duty with Ghana due to a medical issue, making it logical for Mikel Merino, who has been fit for Spain, to step in.

Declan Rice, who scored for England against Finland, will revert to the number six role as he looks to establish a partnership with his new Spanish midfield counterpart.

In the absence of both Saka and Martinelli, Kai Havertz is expected to take on the striker position, with the hope that he can maintain his scoring momentum. Unfortunately, this leaves no space for Gabriel Jesus, as Leandro Trossard is preferred on the left flank.

This adjustment shifts Trossard out of midfield, a position that will now be occupied by Ethan Nwaneri, who is set to make his debut start in the Premier League as an attacking midfielder.

This will serve as a significant test of his capabilities, but he has certainly earned this opportunity through his recent performances.

Raheem Sterling will occupy the right side. There remains a possibility that Saka and/or Martinelli could be included on the bench, alongside Jesus, who may be called upon to make an impact during the match.

Revised Arsenal XI against Southampton: Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori; Rice, Merino, Nwaneri; Sterling, Havertz, Trossard.