Why Bukayo Saka is not in the Arsenal squad to face AFC Bournemouth today
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The Gunners will be without starboy Saka as they look to go top of the table with a win over AFC Bournemouth.
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka is not in the squad to face AFC Bournemouth on Saturday evening as team news breaks from the Vitality Stadium ahead of the Premier League 17:30 kick-off today.
The winger had been a doubt going into the game after picking up a knock while playing for England during the recent international break. Gunners manager Mikel Arteta had appeared to be hopeful that the forward would feature this weekend but that has now emerged not to be the case.
Bukayo Saka injured on England duty
Saka, who is valued at £150 million by Arsenal according to Football Insider, limped off during England's defeat to Greece last week and then missed out against Finland. At the time, Three Lions interim boss Lee Carsley said: "Bukayo would have been close but it would have been unfair to take a risk with him. He’s a positive person and I expect him to be fine."
Speaking about Saka this week, the Arsenal manager provided an update. He said: "It’s not a serious injury. He’s evolving really well. He was maybe well enough to play in the second [England] game.
"He’s done some stuff over the last few days. We are hopeful. We have training this afternoon so let’s see if he can make it on time."
However, that knock will keep Saka out of action against Bournemouth. Kai Havertz will once again lead the line for Arsenal with Leandro Trossard and Raheem Sterling on the flanks on the south coast.
Kai Havertz fit to start
That makes it a second Premier League start in a row for Chelsea loanee Sterling. Mikel Merino makes his first Arsenal start since his summer transfer and Trossard returns to the starting XI for the first time in the league since the 4-2 win over Leicester City.
Havertz’s availability is a boost for Arteta, with the German also a doubt going into this game. The forward missed both of Germany’s fixtures over the break with a knee problem.
Speaking about the in-form player this week, Arteta said: "He had a few issues but we’re dealing with it. He’s been absolutely brilliant. He has good communication with the national team manager. Again, if he trains well today he has a good chance to play tomorrow."
Arsenal XI to face AFC Bournemouth: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Rice, Partey, Merino, Sterling, Trossard, Havertz
Subs: Setford, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Lewis-Skelly, Jorginho, Nwaneri, Martinelli, Jesus, Kabia