Mikel Arteta provides fitness updates for Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli faced injury concerns during the international break and Mikel Arteta has provided updates on both ahead of Saturday’s clash at Bournemouth.

Havertz has enjoyed a great start to the season, netting four goals in seven Premier League appearances, and Gooners were no doubt concerned when he did not join up with the Germany squad for their international fixtures. The attacker missed Germany’s victories over Bosnia & Herzegovina and the Netherlands due to a reported knee problem.

Martinelli did join up with his international side after his recent improvement in form but suffered a calf issue while on duty. He was an unused substitute in Brazil’s 4-0 victory over Peru but Arsenal were not concerned by his injury.

Regardless, questions have arisen regarding the pair’s availability with a trip to the South Coast approaching.

Arteta, speaking in his pre-match press conference, was hesitant to confirm if the pair would definitely be fit for the game against Bournemouth.

On Havertz, he confirmed that the German had suffered a few issues and communicated well with his national team on the situation. Regarding his fitness, Arteta said: “If he trains well today [Friday] he’s got a good chance to be fit and available.”

Asked about Martinelli, Arteta was less confident about the Brazilian’s fitness. He revealed that the winger only returned to London on Thursday and trained outside for a short time. The Spaniard feels Martinelli will claim he is ready and fit but wants to take today as a chance to understand more before deciding whether to risk it.

Arteta is known for his mind games regarding player fitness, as he has shown on many occasions in the past. He could simply be unwilling to reveal who is available to face Bournemouth or there may be genuine concerns over fitness.

No certain answer will be provided until Arsenal confirm their team to face the Cherries on Saturday evening.

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