Nketiah a doubt as Arteta issues pre-Bournemouth fitness update

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Eddie Nketiah is nursing a knock and hinted the striker may not be risked against Bournemouth on Saturday.

It’s understood the 23-year-old is experiencing discomfort in one of his ankles and is being treated with kid gloves given the number of games coming up.

Nketiah was on the bench for the 1-0 win at Leicester and the 4-0 drubbing of Everton although he did make a late appearance off the bench to grab an assist.

In all likelihood Leandro Trossard will be asked to play as a false 9 when the Cherries visit the Emirates with Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka in support.

Asked about Nketiah, who was moving gingerly after the full time whistle on Wednesday, Arteta said: “Yeah, he was. We are assessing him and it’s a bit uncertain what’s going to happen with him to be honest in the training session. Let’s see. Let’s keep the options open, he’s very positive about it so, hopefully, he’ll be fine.”

In better news, the boss confirmed that Jorginho, who complained about feeling sick in midweek, has recovered:

“Jorgi’s fine, he had an illness, he was suffering but to be fair, he put in a great effort and shift in the first half [against Everton] but we decided to take him off. He’s fit now.”

Arsenal continue to be without Gabriel Jesus and Mo Elneny although the former is closing in on a return to full training.