Bukayo Saka could be replaced by Raheem Sterling in the Arsenal starting XI to face Bournemouth(Image: (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))

Raheem Sterling drops Arsenal team news hint for Bournemouth amid Bukayo Saka injury uncertainty

Latest Arsenal news with Raheem Sterling sending a clear message amid doubts surrounding Bukayo Saka

by · football.london

Raheem Sterling could be one to benefit from Arsenal's injury crisis, with Mikel Arteta facing some tough decisions before Bournemouth. Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli are just a few players with major doubt surrounding their fitness ahead of a challenging next few weeks for the Gunners.

Following Saturday's clash on the south coast, Arsenal welcome Shakhtar Donetsk and Liverpool to Emirates Stadium before playing four consecutive away games. That includes trips to Chelsea and Newcastle, along with a clash in Italy to face Inter in the Champions League and a Carabao Cup tie in Preston.

With seven fixtures on the horizon in the next 23 days, that is exactly why a deep squad is needed. Arteta has certainly built a unit capable of competing in every competition, but his group is significantly depleted at the moment.

Club captain Martin Odegaard is still missing with an ankle injury, while the likes of Ben White and Jurrien Timber were absent from Arsenal's last clash. As a result, Jorginho, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus could all be set for prominent roles going forward, with Sterling another hoping for more opportunities.

Arsenal's loan signing made his first start against Southampton two weeks ago but failed to impress, with Arteta subbing him off on the hour mark. Despite struggling, Arteta may have no choice but to offer him another chance from the off with Saka and Martinelli major injury doubts.

"It's not a serious injury, and he's evolving well," he said in a press conference when asked for the latest on Saka. "He was probably good enough to play with the national team second game. We have some big tests today [on Friday], so we are hopeful."

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On Martinelli, the Arsenal boss added: "Gabi landed yesterday [Thursday] afternoon. Yesterday, he went outside for 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." With those two updates in mind, and Sterling's latest message, another starting XI appearance may be on the cards.

Ahead of the clash, Sterling posted a pre-match graphic to his Instagram story, which is often done by players set to be involved in the specific fixture they are promoting.

(Image: Raheem Sterling on Instagram)

With Sterling capable of playing on both flanks, replacing either Saka or Martinelli is entirely possible, though the chances of it being the former have lessened. On Friday evening, footage emerged of the Arsenal squad arriving in Bournemouth with Saka, while not confirmed, appearing to step off the bus.

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