Arsenal face the possibility of being without Bukayo Saka for a Premier League game for the first time in almost two-and-a-half years this weekend. The Gunners face a trip to winless Bournemouth on Saturday and their star winger is struggling with an injury.
Saka has played a club-record 86 consecutive Premier League matches. He last didn’t appear in a top-flight game in May 2021 when he was an unused substitute in a 2-0 win at Newcastle.
His career has gone from strength to strength since then and he has cemented the right-hand side as his own after leapfrogging the £72million Nicolas Pepe. Saka has started the season in fine fashion, with three goals in his six league outings.
But he limped off late on in the north London derby draw with Tottenham on Sunday and Arteta confirmed he is a doubt for the trip to the Vitality Stadium. Express Sport looks at the five options Arteta could turn to if Saka is unavailable.
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Fabio Vieira
Vieira has had a promising start to the season after a difficult first campaign in English football. He has played off the right before and would be an inverted option like Arteta prefers.
However, he was absent from the squad that beat Brentford in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. Whether he has now suffered an injury should be cleared up in Arteta’s pre-match press conference.
Reiss Nelson
Nelson scored the winner at Brentford so will be pushing for a start. His best football in the last 12 months has been on the left of attack.
However, he has good memories of playing Bournemouth after his last-gasp stunner in March. Arsenal may have to change how they attack with a right-footer on that side.
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Gabriel Jesus
Jesus started the Tottenham clash on the left of attack but could switch sides for this one. Nelson or even Emile Smith Rowe could then take his spot on the opposite flank after his first start in 499 days on Wednesday.
Jesus was used to playing out wide during his time at Manchester City. Eddie Nketiah would therefore remain as the main central striker.
Kai Havertz
There aren’t many positions Havertz hasn’t played in across the frontline and attacking midfield. He is still yet to register a goal or an assist in an Arsenal shirt.
The German is left-footed so would be able to invert like Saka. However, at 6ft 4ins, Havertz would provide a very different style of winger to the England star.
Charles Sagoe Jr
Academy star Sagoe Jr made a surprise full debut at Brentford in midweek. He was Arteta’s choice on the right and is a highly-rated youth prospect.
A start in the Premier League may be too soon for the 19-year-old. However, don’t be surprised to see him on the bench with Arsenal’s attacking resources stretched to the limit.
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