Arsenal debut set to arrive vs Bournemouth as Mikel Arteta issues ruthless message

Latest Arsenal news with a debut seemingly confirmed for the Premier League clash against Bournemouth

Arsenal return to Premier League action this evening following the October international break as they take on Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The Gunners can go top of the table by securing three points with Manchester City and leaders Liverpool not playing until Sunday.

With Mikel Arteta's side unbeaten so far this season, confidence will be high they can secure another victory on the south coast. However, several injury concerns could impact things significantly with Martin Odegaard still out and major doubt surrounding Bukayo Saka and Jurrien Timber.

The likes of Ben White, Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz and Thomas Partey have also been dealing with issues, however through a number of means, all four look set to be in the squad to face the Cherries. Partey was one confirmed fit by Arteta with the other three spotted getting off Arsenal's team bus in Bournemouth.

A hooded figure, believed by many to be Saka was also captured but it is currently unclear whether that was him or Timber. It is possible one of the duo joins Odegaard in missing out with Takehiro Tomiyasu also a doubt following claims he had suffered an injury setback.

That could mean more opportunities for the younger members of the squad with Ethan Nwaneri already benefitting. Myles Lewis-Skelly and Nathan Butler-Oyedeji have also been on the fringes of the squad with the latter patiently awaiting his debut and though it may not arrive against Bournemouth, a very different first appearance will.

For the first time this season, the Gunners are set to wear their new blue third kit with their other strips likely to clash with Bournemouth's red and white striped shirts. With a fresh change set to arrive, Arteta will be keen for his side to return to doing one thing they have become known for.

READ MORE: Arsenal guaranteed to be without five players for Bournemouth as Bukayo Saka decision 'confirmed'

READ MORE: Saka starts, Martinelli misses out, Timber decision made - Arsenal predicted XI vs Bournemouth

Defensively, Arsenal have been superb in the last 18 months but they have not kept a clean sheet in their last three Premier League games. There is of course not a major cause for concern as they were able to keep out Paris Saint-Germain between those fixtures but conceding to Leicester and Southampton was certainly a surprise.

Ahead of facing Bournemouth, who have struggled for goals against teams high up in the table, Arteta was asked about clean sheets and his answer was telling of his expectations. "Especially with the way we conceded certain goals and the little things we have conceded to concede those goals, there is room for improvement there," he said.

"It’s about being very consistent and making sure that we play with a level of urgency, creation and focus in every action because in the last few games, especially at home, the way we’ve conceded the goals I’m not too happy about.

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