Mikel Arteta doesn’t have good news for Arsenal fans with new William Saliba issue and Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka concern

Mikel Arteta delivered a downbeat update on Arsenal’s fitness with several key stars a doubt to face Bournemouth.

The Gunners’ boss revealed that Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka have not featured in training this week, putting them in doubt for the weekend.

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Rice and Saka both picked up knocks during the north London derby clash with Tottenham last week, meaning that both players missed the Carabao Cup third round win over Brentford on Wednesday.

As a result, the pair join Martinelli and Trossard on the injury list, with the duo having picked up knocks prior to the 2-2 draw with Spurs.

Arteta also delivered a worrying update on William Saliba with the defender picking up a knock in training.

The French star has played every minute in the Premier League so far this term, but could now miss the trip to the south coast on Saturday.

Speaking in his press conference, he said: “Declan hasn’t trained yet, we have a session in an hour, we’ll get more news about him.

“Gabi [Martinelli] hasn’t trained, Leo same situation, Saka, same.

“They are all in the same pool, Willy had a knock, Fabio wasn’t involved. We have to assess them today.”

Discussing Saliba and Fabio Vieira, Arteta added: “Let’s see how everybody is today.

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“They weren’t selected, they weren’t fit enough to be in the squad [against Brentford]. That’s it.

“My hope is that everybody is fit and available. We need them.”

As a result, Jorginho, Reiss Nelson and Emile Smith Rowe could be handed fresh opportunities to impress after starring in the 1-0 win over Thomas Frank’s side midweek.