Mikel Arteta has provided a positive injury update on his Arsenal camp ahead of their Saturday night clash with Bournemouth, with the Gunners set to welcome back a number of their stars.

Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli all suffered blows during the international break, but all three could be in contention against the Cherries.

About Saka, Mikel Arteta said: “It’s not a serious injury. He’s evolving very well. We’re hopeful. We have training this afternoon.”

Meanwhile, he added that if Havertz trained on Friday he would be available for Saturday’s match, while Thomas Partey is also fit after missing his international duty through illness.

In more good news, the Arsenal boss explained that Jurrien Timber, Ben White and Oleksandr Zinchenko are “pretty close” to returning after missing the final match before the international break.

“Hopefully we have some positive news today and they will be back tomorrow,” he explained.

And as for Martinelli, there was more good news as Arteta explained: “Yesterday he did a bit outside, today will be another step and we will understand if we take the risk.”

One player who will not return, however, is Martin Ødegaard, for whom next week will be “crucial” in his recovery.

“In the later phase of the rehabilitation, where he is now, he needs to get rid of some points, he needs to feel comfortable, especially with the ball. Next week will be crucial to understand how close he is.”

Another absentee is Takehiro Tomiyasu, who played his first six minutes of the season against Southampton, but is now sidelined again.

“Hopefully it doesn’t seem like a long period of time. We really need him. He has something different,” Arteta revealed.

Can Arsenal return to action with a bang and continue their unbeaten start to the season?