The Gunners could be without many key players when they face the Cherries.

Ahead of Arsenal’s match against Bournemouth, Mikel Arteta has given details on the condition of seven players, including Bukayo Saka.

Saka was substituted because of a muscle issue during the second half of England’s 2-1 loss to Greece last week. After returning to North London for additional testing on the problem, the 23-year-old missed the Three Lions’ next match against Finland. He is doubtful for Saturday’s match at the Vitality Stadium.

“It’s not a serious injury,” Arteta said on Friday morning for Saka. “He’s evolving really well. He’s done a few things in the last few days when he came back from the national team after the second game. We are hopeful. We have a training session this afternoon and he did some bits yesterday, so let’s see if he can make it on time.”

Gabriel Martinelli, a fellow attacker, is also doubtful after missing Brazil’s second game against Peru due to a calf issue. According to Arteta, he will have to take a fitness test later than expected.

“Gabi landed yesterday afternoon,” he said. “So we’ve had a very short time to be with him. Yesterday he went outside to do a little bit and see how he’s feeling. Today will be another step to understand whether we want to take the risk if he’s fit. I know what the player is going to say ‘I’m going to be fit’.”

Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko are all also racing to be fit for the game.“The three of them are quite close,” Arteta said. “Today we will have to push and see who is because we are stronger with the numbers, especially on our right side. Hopefully, we have some positive news today and we’ll have some players back tomorrow.”

Arteta also provided details on Thomas Partey and Martin Odegaard’s injury updates. The coach revealed: ”Partey not gonna be fit for this game.” Arteta added, “Next week will be a different story. He needs to clear some markers doing things with the ball in that latter stage of rehab. Next week will be crucial.”

When speaking on Odegaard’s injury he said: “Yeah we don’t know (the absence yet).” The Arsenal manager further added, “It doesn’t look like hopefully a long period.