Arsenal injury, suspension list and return dates for Bournemouth Premier League clash: Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard latest

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday as they host Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium for matchday 32.

The North London hosts sit nine points clear at the top of the English top-flight table, although second-placed Manchester City have a game in hand, and the leaders have the opportunity to temporarily extend that advantage, with Pep Guardiola’s men facing Chelsea a day later.

Mikel Arteta’s men head into the contest on the back of a late 1-0 victory over Sporting Lisbon in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, a result that served as the perfect response to their recent domestic cup setbacks.

While Arteta was boosted by the return of Gabriel Magalhaes following an injury scare in the FA Cup defeat to Southampton, the Spaniard has fresh concerns after seeing two of his players forced off during the win at the Estadio Jose Alvalade.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up Arsenal’s latest injury and suspension news ahead of their Premier League clash with Bournemouth, who played out a 2-2 draw with Manchester United in their most recent outing.

Leandro Trossard

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Unknown

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Bournemouth)

Leandro Trossard was considered a doubt for Tuesday's Champions League clash but ultimately made the starting XI.

However, the Belgian was forced off in the 76th minute with apparent discomfort, and his availability for Saturday’s game remains uncertain with no clarification yet on the nature or severity of the issue

Martin Odegaard

Status: Major doubt

Type of injury: Unknown

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Bournemouth)

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard appeared to pick up a knock during the win at Sporting, which saw him substituted in the 70th minute for eventual matchwinner Kai Havertz.

While the 27-year-old was seen celebrating with teammates after the final whistle, doubts over his fitness linger ahead of Saturday’s contest.

Bukayo Saka

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Knock

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Bournemouth)

Bukayo Saka did not travel with the team to Lisbon in midweek, having last featured in the EFL Cup final defeat to Man City three weeks ago, though Arteta has expressed optimism that Saka will return to action on Saturday.

Jurrien Timber

Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: April 11 (vs. Bournemouth)

Jurrien Timber sustained an ankle injury in the win over Everton three weeks ago and has missed Arsenal’s last three matches.

The Dutchman was expected to travel to Lisbon but did not, though Arteta hopes he will ''be ready for the weekend''.

Eberechi Eze

Status: Out

Type of injury: Calf

Possible return date: April 15 (vs. Sporting)

Eberechi Eze suffered a calf injury in Arsenal’s victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the second leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie.

Initial reports suggested that the England international would be sidelined for six weeks, but the latest update indicates he could return in time for the quarter-final second leg against Sporting.

Piero Hincapie

Status: Out

Type of injury: Muscle

Possible return date: Unknown

Piero Hincapie picked up a muscle problem during the international break, forcing him to withdraw from national team duty prematurely, and the versatile defender is expected to miss Saturday’s game once again.

Mikel Merino

Status: Out

Type of injury: Foot

Possible return date: Unknown

Mikel Merino continues to work his way back from surgery on a fractured bone in his right foot, and the Spaniard is aiming to make his comeback before the campaign concludes.