MIkel Arteta has revealed full-backs Ben White, Jurrien Timber and Oleksandr Zinchenko are all close to returning to full fitness but admitted Arsenal are “struggling” for numbers ahead of their trip to Bournemouth on Saturday.

While the Gunners remain unbeaten in all competitions so far this season, they went into the October international break with a number of injuries to key first-team stars.

Arteta has been particularly stretched for options in the full-back areas, with White and Timber both missing out on recent fixtures. Zinchenko, meanwhile, hasn’t played since representing Ukraine during September’s national team matches.

Speaking in his press conference on Friday, Arteta revealed: “They [White, Timber and Zinchenko] are quite close the three of them. Today we’ll have to push. We are struggling a bit with the numbers, especially in our right side.”

Elsewhere, Kai Havertz had to withdraw from Germany’s squad due to a knee problem, Gabriel Martinelli flew back from Brazil duty with a knock and Martin Odegaard remains out but is making progress.

Arteta added: “He [Havertz] had a few issues but we’ve been dealing with that. We have great communication with Germany. If he trains well today he has a good chance to be fit and available.

“Gabi landed yesterday afternoon. Yesterday he went outside to a bit to see how he’s feeling. We have to decide if we want to take a risk because I know he’ll say he is.

“He’s [Odegaard] not gonna be fit for this game. Next week will be a different story. He needs to clear some markers doing things with the ball in that latter stage of rehab. Next week will be crucial.”

Thankfully for Arsenal fans, Bukayo Saka has avoided any serious damage after dropping out of the England squad and is likely to face Bournemouth this weekend, while Thomas Partey has also been cleared to play. On-loan goalkeeper Neto, however, is ineligible to face his parent club.

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