Arsenal strike pairing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette have returned to training ahead of the Gunners’ match against Bournemouth on Sunday.
The Gabonese forward did not feature for his country during the international break due to a back injury, while the Frenchman withdrew from World Champions’ squad with a groin strain.
Laurent Koscielny is working his way back to full fitness and is back in training following an Achilles injury which has kept him out of action since the end of last season.
Fellow centre-half Konstantinos Mavropanos is also close to a comeback following a groin problem that has prevented him from featuring so far this campaign.
Stephan Lichtsteiner remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Nacho Monreal (hamstring) still hasn’t returned to training and is unlikely to be ready to face the Cherries.
Mohamed Elneny is back in contention following his own hamstring problems but, after failing to feature in the Premier League this season, he may not be needed by manager Unai Emery on Sunday.
For Bournemouth, Eddie Howe will be without at least three players for the match at the Vitality Stadium. Adam Smith damaged knee cartilage in the defeat to Newcastle and is expected to be out for at least three months.
Jefferson Lerma (hamstring) and Junior Stanislas (groin) are doubts for the game, but Josh King could be fit after returning to training this week following an ankle injury. First choice goalkeeper Asmir Begovic will be assessed before the match after sustaining a wrist injury.
The bookies are backing the Gunners to come out with the three points this weekend. Most have Unai Emery’s side at evens to win, such as 188BET. The best price for a draw is 31/10 with Betfair while a victory for Bournemouth is priced at 27/10 with Unibet.
Arsenal’s Predicted XI to face Bournemouth
Leno, Bellerin, Mustafi, Holding, Kolasinac, Torreira, Xhaka, Iwobi, Ozil, Mkhitaryan, Lacazette
Bournemouth’s Predicted XI
Begovic, Francis, Steve Cook, Ake, Daniels, Lewis Cook, Gosling, Brooks, Fraser, King, Wilson
Predicted Score – 3-1 to Arsenal
